Mission

Utah Museums Association empowers museum professionals across Utah through professional development, community connections, and advocacy.

Founded in 1972, UMA is a 501(c)(3) professional membership organization for museum staff and volunteers. We serve museums of all sizes and disciplines throughout Utah.

Vision

We envision a thriving community of museum professionals across Utah with the capacity, connections, and support to preserve our diverse heritage, inspire learning, and strengthen their communities.

Core Values

Empowering: We believe professionalism is a level of practice, not a pay grade. We connect museum professionals—regardless of role or pay grade—with the knowledge and tools to excel.

Inclusive: We welcome museums of all sizes, types, and disciplines. We are committed to diversity, equity, and accessibility within our organization and throughout Utah’s museum community.

Community-focused: We listen to our members and respond to the evolving needs of Utah's museum professionals, ensuring our work stays relevant and valuable.

Collaborative: We believe museums thrive when they work together. We create opportunities for partnership, peer learning, and resource sharing across the state.

Accountable: We responsibly manage our resources, evaluate our impact regularly, and communicate transparently with our members and supporters about our work and results.

What We Do

The Utah Museums Association empowers museum professionals across Utah through professional development, community connections, and advocacy. Through our work, museum professionals gain the skills, networks, and support they need to help their institutions thrive and better serve their communities.

Professional Development: We equip museum professionals with relevant skills and knowledge through programs centered on best practices and emerging needs.

Community Connections: We sustain a collaborative and inclusive network that connects museum staff, volunteers, and partners across Utah, creating opportunities for peer learning and mutual support.

Advocacy: We advocate for Utah’s museums at all levels of government and connect museum professionals with the training, tools, and resources they need to champion themselves, their institutions, and the field.

View Utah Museums Association's Bylaws

View Utah Museum Association's 2026-2030 Strategic Plan