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Edison & Ford Winter Estates wins American Alliance of Museums accreditation; city recognizes achievement
Summary
The council recognized the Edison & Ford Winter Estates’ accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, and the estate’s CEO said the organization fulfilled most lease obligations and is working with the city on a proposed small 'Edison Library' as the final lease deliverable.
The City Council on Aug. 18 recognized that the Edison & Ford Winter Estates achieved accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, an accreditation that the estate’s CEO and staff characterized as rigorous and achieved by fewer than 5% of U.S. museums.
Mike Flanders, CEO of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, told the council the nonprofit followed the city lease that requires operation and maintenance as a public botanical and historic resource, professional care of structures and grounds, and pursuit of museum accreditation. Flanders said the organization has completed three of four lease obligations and is working with city staff to identify funding and a workshop date to plan for a botanical resource library — described as approximately 3,000 square feet — to satisfy the remaining lease requirement.
Mike Cosden, the estate’s executive vice president and COO, described the accreditation process as requiring hundreds of pages of policies and procedures and a site visit by museum professionals. He credited staff and city support for the achievement and said the recognition reflects a sustained effort over several years.
Mayor Anderson and councilmembers congratulated the estate and accepted offers to set a workshop later this calendar year to discuss the botanical resource library and funding options.
