Ontario Museum of History and Art earns national accreditation, city leaders praise staff

The Ontario Museum of History and Art has achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, Museum Arts and Culture Director Marissa Kuchek announced at the City Council meeting. "Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community," Kuchek said, adding the recognition is the field's primary vehicle for quality assurance and public accountability.

The accreditation places the museum among roughly 1,100 accredited institutions nationwide and about 78 in California, Kuchek said. She told the council the museum completed a multi-year self-study, updated its strategic plan in 2020, adopted key documents including a collections management policy and disaster-preparedness plans, increased weekly open hours and hired additional staff to align operations with professional standards.

Council members and commissioners described the achievement as the result of sustained local investment and volunteer leadership. "No, it truly was a team effort," a council supporter said, thanking commissioners, staff and trustees who helped prepare for the peer review and site visit. Mayor Leon recalled serving as a liaison to the museum years earlier and credited long-term commitment by trustees and staff for the milestone.

Kucheck and council members urged residents to visit the museum and said accreditation will help the institution attract traveling exhibits and outside funding. The museum's board and partner city departments — including public works, finance and community life and culture — were singled out for support that helped assemble required documentation for the accreditation application.

The city did not take a formal vote on funding at the meeting; officials said the accreditation recognizes work already completed and could strengthen future grant applications. The council closed the proclamation and moved on to public comment.