Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

Approved by the Board of Trustees on July 19, 2023

This code of ethics is derived and adapted directly from the American Alliance of Museum’s (AAM) Code of Ethics for Museums, which was adopted in 1993 by the AAM Board of Directors and amended in 2000.

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) makes its unique contribution to the public by collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VMHC is grounded in a tradition of public service and seeks to warrant and sustain the trust and confidence of the public in all that it does by operating with integrity, acting lawfully and ethically. It holds and cares for its collections and disseminates information as a benefit to Virginians and the general public. The VMHC’s Board of Trustees, executive leadership, employees, and volunteers are committed to the interests of these beneficiaries.

Loyalty to the mission of the VMHC, and to the public it serves, is paramount for its leaders and staff regardless of their paid or volunteer status. Where conflicts of interest arise—actual, potential or perceived—the duty of loyalty must never be compromised. No individual may use his or her position for personal gain or to benefit another at the expense of the VMHC, its mission, its reputation, or the people it serves.

Governance

The Board of Trustees of the VMHC, in their fiduciary role, are the ultimate stewards of the museum’s collections and programs and its physical, human, and financial resources. It ensures that all these resources support the museum’s mission and respond to the pluralism of society.

Thus, the Board of Trustees ensures that:

  • All those who work for or on behalf of the museum understand and support its mission and public trust responsibilities.
  • Its Trustees understand and fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities and act corporately, not as individuals.
  • The museum’s collections and programs and its physical, human and financial resources are wisely protected, prudently used, well maintained, and smartly developed in support of the museum’s mission.
  • It proactively and productively supervises the VMHC’s President & CEO, monitors the performance of the overall staff—all while their shared roles are recognized and separate responsibilities respected.
  • Working relationships among Trustees, employees and volunteers are based on equity and mutual respect.
  • Professional standards and practices inform and guide museum operations.
  • Policies are articulated and prudent oversight is practiced.
  • Governance promotes the public good rather than individual financial gain.
  • Proprietary information is kept secure and confidential.
  • Conflicts of interest are disclosed and managed appropriately.

Collections

The distinctive character of museum ethics derives from the ownership, care, and use of objects representing history and culture. This stewardship of collections entails the highest public trust and carries with it the presumption of rightful ownership, permanence, care, documentation, accessibility, and responsible disposal.

Thus, the VMHC ensures that:

  • Collections in its custody support its mission and public trust responsibilities.
  • Collections in its custody are lawfully held, protected, secured, unencumbered, cared for and preserved.
  • Collections in its custody are accounted for and documented.
  • Access to the collections and related information is permitted and regulated.
  • Acquisition, disposal, and loan activities are conducted in a manner that respects the protection and preservation of natural and cultural resources and discourages illicit trade in such materials.
  • Acquisition, disposal, and loan activities conform to its mission and public trust responsibilities.
  • Disposal of collections through sale, trade or research activities is solely for the advancement of the museum’s mission. Proceeds from the sale of deaccessioned collections are to be used consistent with the established standards of the VMHC, but in no event shall they be used for anything other than the acquisition or direct care of collections.
  • The unique and special nature of human remains and funerary and sacred objects is recognized as the basis of all decisions concerning such collections.
  • Collections-related activities promote the public good rather than individual financial gain.
  • Competing claims of ownership that may be asserted in connection with objects in its custody should be handled openly, seriously, responsively and with respect for the dignity of all parties involved.

Programs

The VMHC serves society by advancing an understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of Virginia through exhibitions, research, scholarship, publications, and educational activities. These programs further the museum’s mission and are responsive to the concerns, interests and needs of society.

Thus, the VMHC ensures that:

  • Programs support its mission and public trust responsibilities.
  • Programs are founded on scholarship and marked by intellectual integrity.
  • Programs are accessible and encourage participation of the widest possible audience consistent with its mission and resources.
  • Programs respect pluralistic values, traditions, and concerns.
  • Revenue-producing activities and activities that involve relationships with external entities are compatible with the museum’s mission and support its public trust responsibilities.
  • Programs promote the public good rather than individual financial gain.