EdCom has recognized outstanding contributions to museum education by individual practitioners, museums offering distinguished programs, and by individuals whose leadership at the national level has impacted the public dimension of the museum. Judging is based upon the 2001 EdCom criteria publication Excellence in Practice: Museum Education Standards and Principles.

The John Cotton Dana Award for Leadership recognizes an individual or organization working within or outside of the museum field who has impacted the public dimension of the museum at the national level. The AAM Education Committee established the award in 1991 in tribute to John Cotton Dana, Founder and Director of the Newark Museum.

Applications for the 2009 John Cotton Dana Award for Leadership are being accepted now through January 16, 2009.

Click hereto download the nomination form.

Past Recipients

• 1988 Michael Spock, Director, Boston Children’s Museum
• 1991 Joel Bloom, Director, Franklin Institute Science Museum, Philadelphia, PA
• 1996 Marlene Chambers, Director, Publications, Denver Art Museum
• 1998 Diane Frankel, Institute of Library and Museum Services
• 2002 Marian Godfrey, Director of the Culture Programs, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Philadelphia