About CAM

About CAM | Board Members | Committees | Staff | Sponsorships | Special Initiatives

Institutional Members | Business Associates

The California Association of Museums (CAM), founded in 1979 by staff and trustees from diverse museums throughout the state, is a non-profit service organization formed to represent the interests of California museums. The mission statement (adopted July 2006) reads:

The California Association of Museums represents a diverse, dynamic community of individuals and institutions that seeks to assure the future of California’s cultural and natural heritage. CAM connects industry professionals, timely information and practical resources to support the success of all California museums and to advance their interests.

CAM assists California museums in fulfilling their missions as educational and research institutions that interpret and preserve art and cultural and scientific artifacts for public benefit.

There are over 1,300 museums in the state of California, existing in every corner of the state. As a matter of fact, CAM institutional members are located in 51 of the state’s 58 counties. California’s museums are as diverse as the communities in which they are found and include historical societies, cultural centers, art museums, botanical gardens, science centers, tribal museums, zoos, aquariums, and children’s museums. They range in size, location, and discipline and serve rural and urban communities, wealthy and under-served communities.

Committed to serve the needs of all of California's museums, regardless of size and discipline, CAM provides a variety of programs that address issues pertinent to all and serves as an advocate for museum interests with state and federal governments as well as with other institutions and the general public. In addition, CAM encourages the improvement of professional practices within museums, and works to increase the public's understanding of and support for museums.

CAM programs and services include workshops held at sites throughout the state which feature presentations by experts on a variety of topics, an annual conference, an on-line presence which increases inter-museum networking and promotes museums to the general public, online and print newsletters and publications, California Museum Month, special initiatives, and a legislative advocacy network to keep members informed about affecting museums.

California Association of Museums
P.O. Box 1455
Santa Cruz, CA 95061-1455
Phone: (831) 471-9970
Fax: (831) 471-9381
www.calmuseums.org
cam@calmuseums.org

Located at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab, UC Santa Cruz

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