History of the MTA

As a pioneer in the field and sole provider of education services for museum trustees, the MTA is uniquely experienced to serve the trustee audience. In 2001, the Museum Trustee Association celebrated 30 years of service to museum trustees. The association was formed in 1971 as a committee of the American Association of Museums. Time revealed that the differences of focus, responsibility and interest between museum professionals and volunteers was better served by a separate nonprofit organization. Today, that independent organization is the Museum Trustee Association, which was established independently in 1986, and received its federal IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 1991.

The MTA is governed by an elected Board of Directors chosen to represent diverse regions of the country, a variety of museum disciplines and sizes, and wide-ranging areas of expertise in trusteeship. All are volunteer trustees in their own museums, and serve on the board without pay; several are founders of the Association. These leaders in the field offer the MTA a broad-based perspective on new initiatives and their implications for museum staff. These experts ensure that the MTA remains abreast of current issues and up-to-date practices.

Learn More:

About the MTA
MTA Board of Directors