Like other attractions, most museums have felt the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many are beginning to reopen, it will be a long time before they are fully back on their feet.
Many are running at just a 20-per-cent capacity in what would usually be a busy summer period. Some museums, including the San Diego Maritime Museum, has had to close and reopen three times due to outbreaks and change in government guidelines in the area.
With the threat of extreme financial loss, the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is launching a $25 Special Membership to help any museum professional struggling through the pandemic. Those who sign up will have access to the benefits, tools and recourses of AAM’s Professional Membership. These include:
- Access to resource library exclusive to only members, there are more than 2000 how-to guides, articles and curated tools to help master best practices
- Network with other museum professionals through interest groups
- Digital subscription to Museum Magazine, as well e-newsletters Aviso and Dispatches from the Future of Museums
- Discounts on professional development programmes
AAM predicts that without the help, as many as 30 per cent of American museums will face permanent closure.
The $25 Special Membership is for six months and can be applied for here.
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