Everett, Washington (April 12, 2017) – Imagine Children’s Museum is excited to announce they have achieved accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums.  Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies and to the museum-going public.

The American Alliance of Museums accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. “Accreditation is clearly a significant achievement, of which both the institutions and the communities they serve can be extremely proud.” Laura L. Lott, Alliance president and CEO.

“During the last two years Imagine Children’s Museum’s Board and staff have worked diligently on the accreditation requirements.  The process has made our institution stronger; helping to ensure the Museum will be here for generations to come.  We sought to achieve accreditation to provide donors the highest level of confidence in our organization,” said Nancy Johnson, Executive Director of Imagine Children’s Museum.

Accreditation is a very rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations.  To earn accreditation a museum must meet stringent standards, submit extensive documentation, complete Strategic Institutional Planning and undergo an onsite review. Once the process is completed, it is reviewed by the Alliance’s Accreditation Commission for final  approval.

There are 33,000 museums in the U.S. including zoos, aquariums, science centers, botanical gardens, nature centers and all types of museums. Of those, just over 1,000 are accredited, and fewer than 20 are children’s museums!

About Imagine Children’s Museum

Imagine Children’s Museum (Imagine) began in 1993 as a grassroots effort to create a space where children and families could play and learn together in Snohomish County. Since opening the Museum in downtown Everett in 2004, our exhibits, programs, and activities have welcomed more than three million visitors from the Puget Sound region and beyond. In 2022, Imagine doubled in size to meet the growing demand from families in this rapidly expanding region. In 2023, we served over 293,000 visitors through the Museum and outreach programs. Today, the Museum serves children under 18, with exhibits and programs primarily tailored to those aged 1–12, as well as their caregivers. Adults aged 18 and older with developmental disabilities must be accompanied by a caregiver. Through intergenerational play, children build academic and life skills—social/emotional, physical, critical thinking, independence, and self-confidence.

Imagine partners with schools, childcare centers, social service providers, and other nonprofits to bring playful learning opportunities to children throughout Snohomish County. Programs like summer literacy initiatives and afterschool science clubs in area schools provide vital educational support and guidance, especially for children who need it most.

The Museum is located at the corner of Wall and Hoyt Streets in downtown Everett. For hours and admission details, visit ImagineCM.org or call (425) 258-1006.