Dedicated to actively sharing local history, the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) hosts a variety of activities throughout the year, including service projects to improve historical resources. CCHS is undergoing a Museum Assessment Program (MAP) in order to achieve the highest professional standards in the museum field. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) has been selected to participate in the national Museum Assessment Program (MAP), which is administered by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).

Through guided assessment and consultation with external museum professionals, participation in MAP will empower CCHS to better serve Chenango County by striving to achieve the highest professional standards in the museum field.

CCHS’s participation is made possible through funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). MAP helps museums strengthen operations, plan for the future, and meet standards through self-study review and a consultative visit by an expert peer reviewer.

“Choosing to be part of the MAP program is indicative of the commitment to civic involvement, public service, and overall excellence on the part of the Chenango County Historical Society and Museum,” said Laura Lott, president of AAM. “Studies have shown America’s museums to be among the country’s most trusted and valued institutions. MAP is designed to make them even better.”

CCHS opted to conduct a MAP operations assessment in order to improve performance by defining logical priorities, establishing systems for maintaining quality standards, and assuring sustainable practices as the organization grows capacity.

“As a museum chartered by the New York State Education Department, we are keenly aware of our responsibility to properly preserve our collection in order to celebrate the unique cultural heritage of Chenango County,” said Jessica Moquin, executive director. “Our small staff and dedicated board of trustees are doing a great deal to ensure that our organization is running smoothly, and we realize that being so close to the operation means that we may not recognize where systems, processes, and programs can be adjusted for optimal performance. By undergoing a MAP assessment, we better position our museum for sustainable future growth.”

First established in 1939, CCHS is the primary organization dedicated to actively and comprehensively preserving the history of Chenango County. The area’s premier heritage museum, the organization celebrates local culture – unique traditions, noteworthy residents, and unusual stories of the region.  CCHS programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Since its creation in 1981, the MAP program has served more than 5,000 museums. MAP is supported through a cooperative agreement between AAM and IMLS. AAM is the only organization representing the nation’s entire museum community and has been dedicated to promoting excellence within the museum field for more than 100 years. The IMLS is the primary source of federal support to the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums.

– Information from the CCHS