American Alliance of Museums reaccredits MFIT with highest national recognition afforded museums

The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (MFIT) has been reaccredited with the highest national recognition afforded museums in the United States by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).

Three percent of the nation’s estimated 35,000 museums are currently accredited. Every ten years, museums must meet specific standards following a review process by an AAM member to maintain their certified status.

Other museums that also share this accreditation in New York City are The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Modern Art.

Joyce F. Brown, FIT president, said in a statement: “This reaccreditation—which signifies excellence, accountability and high professional standards–is a coveted designation that makes me–and the college–very proud. I offer congratulations to Dr Valerie Steele and to the entire staff for their achievement.”

Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of MFIT, added: “I am delighted that the AAM recognised MFIT's 'outstanding reputation,' 'rigorous scholarship,' and 'thought leadership. The AAM peer reviewers reported that FIT 'faculty members from a variety of disciplines… [described] how the museum advanced their scholarly pursuits and the experiential learning of their students.' This is a real tribute to the museum's talented and hardworking professional staff.”

MFIT is a specialised fashion museum that is known for its exhibitions and public programmes. Its aim is to encourage creative thinking, lifelong learning and original research. It currently boasts a collection of over 50,000 items dating from the 18th century.