LEWISTON — Museum L-A announced recently it has received a Pledge of Excellence certificate from the American Alliance of Museums.

This is an affirmation that Museum L-A pledges “in fulfillment of our educational mission, we will strive to operate according to national standards and best practices to the best of our abilities and in accordance with our resources.”

The Pledge was taken by Rachel Desgrosseilliers, executive director of Museum L-A, and John Cleveland, chairman of the board of directors.

The pledge was taken to demonstrate and communicate the museum’s commitment to AAM standards, which are broken down into seven categories including: public trust and accountability, mission and planning, leadership and organizational structure, collections stewardship, educational and interpretation, financial stability, and facilities and risk management.

The pledge also included allegiance to a code of ethics for museums.

The Pledge of Excellence certificate is the first step toward accreditation status for Museum L-A by AAM. Accreditation has been the museum field’s mark of distinction since 1971. Accreditation offers high-profile, peer-based validation of a museum’s operations and impact. Accreditation increases a museum’s credibility and value to funders, policymakers, insurers, community and peers.

Additionally, accreditation is a powerful tool to leverage change and help facilitate artifact loans between institutions. Once accreditation is achieved, Museum L-A can apply to become a Smithsonian affiliate. 

Opening to the public in 2004, Museum L-A has evolved from a single focus subject of the textile mills to a dedicated community and cultural museum. Serving as a place to exhibit and document history, it also functions as an extended classroom, community resource, and a showcase of various industries, workers and products. 

Museum L-A is in the Bates Mill Complex, 35 Canal St., Lewiston. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays or by appointment. For more information, or to set up a tour, contact Museum L-A at 207-333-3881  or visit the Facebook page.