MS Museum of Natural Science Receives Highest National Recognition

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (MMNS) has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums. Less than four percent of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums are currently accredited. Recognized as the field’s gold standard for museum excellence for 55 years, AAM accreditation signifies a museum’s quality and credibility to the entire museum community, to governments and outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. “The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is one of America’s premier museums – it really is in an elite class,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “It’s great to see the Museum receive the national recognition it deserves. Congratulations to all of the staff and its partners on this prestigious accreditation.”

The MMNS was initially accredited in 1982. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status. “We are proud to see the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science again earn accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition of museum excellence. This achievement is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff, the support of our partners, and our commitment to providing Mississippi families and visitors with meaningful, high-quality experiences in natural science education,” said Lynn Posey, Executive Director, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

AAM Accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. “We are so proud of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science for achieving this prestigious reaccreditation. As one of our state’s most visited attractions, the museum plays a vital role in inspiring discovery and drawing visitors from around the world to experience Mississippi’s natural beauty,” said Rochelle Hicks, Director of Tourism, Visit Mississippi. Through a rigorous process of self-assessment and review by their peers, accredited museums have demonstrated they meet standards and best practices, and are educational entities that are appropriate stewards of the collections and resources they hold in the public trust.

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“Accreditation is a monumental achievement,” said Marilyn Jackson, AAM President & CEO. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size.”

“Reaccreditation affirms what we strive for every day - to serve as responsible stewards of Mississippi’s natural history and the resources entrusted to us,” said Angel Rohnke, Director of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. “This process reflects more than a year of dedicated effort by our team and our partners, and it reinforces our ongoing commitment to excellence in research, education, collections care, and conservation. Our mission remains the same: to inspire Mississippians and all our visitors to understand, appreciate, and protect the incredible biodiversity of our state.”

The Museum’s reaccreditation also underscores the vital partnership between the Museum and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation, whose ongoing support helps make these achievements possible. “This national recognition highlights the Museum’s excellence and lasting impact,” said Susan Frazier, Executive Director of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation. “It’s also a testament to our donors, supporters, and members whose generosity helps bring Mississippi’s natural wonders to life and ensures the Museum continues to inspire discovery and conservation for generations to come.”

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is one of only nine museums accredited by AAM in Mississippi including the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, the MDAH Museum Division, the Eudora Welty House, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and the Museum of Mississippi History – the latter three earning first time accreditation earlier in 2025. “On behalf of Visit Jackson, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science on achieving reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. This distinction places the museum among an elite group of institutions nationwide and affirms its unwavering commitment to education, conservation, and scientific excellence. With only 1,122 accredited museums out of roughly 33,000 across the country - and just nine in the state of Mississippi - this achievement underscores the museum’s exceptional standards and its vital role in shaping meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike. We celebrate this milestone and applaud the museum’s leadership and staff for advancing Mississippi’s cultural and scientific legacy for the next decade and beyond,” said Rickey Thigpen, PhD, President & CEO of Visit Jackson. 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, located at 2148 Riverside Drive in Jackson within LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, inspires visitors with wildlife exhibits, aquariums, nature trails, and scientific collections representing the state’s natural wonders. Admission: $9 for adults, $7 for youth ages 3-18, and $8 for senior citizens ages 60 and up. Get MMNSF Membership information at: https://www.mmnsfoundation.com. Plan your adventure: 601-576-6000 or www.mdwfp.com/museum. Follow: facebook.com/msnaturalscience and instagram.com/mssciencemuseum. See https://www.mmnsfoundation.com/memberships for MMNSF Membership information.