Historical park board details STEPS pathway and ties master plan to accreditation goals

At its May 16 meeting, the Farmers Branch Historical Park Board discussed progress on the STEPS (Standards and Excellence Program for History Organizations) self-assessment and how the board intends to pursue museum accreditation in stages.

"This program will not get us accreditation. However, it is the first step in working towards accreditation," Speaker 2 said, describing STEPS as a self-paced assessment intended for small- to mid-sized history organizations. She explained the typical sequence: complete STEPS, pursue MAP (museum assessment program) and CAP (collections assessment program), and then move on to the multiyear accreditation process administered by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).

Speaker 2 said most core documents (mission statement, strategic plan, collections policy, disaster preparedness plan) are already in place, and the principal missing element is a master plan, which the city has scheduled to begin in the upcoming fiscal year. Board members noted a lack of sufficient, safe collection storage as a limiting factor for completing the collections assessment; possible solutions include reconfiguring existing space or locating new storage near the maintenance area.

The board emphasized that accreditation is a lengthy, multiyear process but said achieving accredited status would strengthen grant competitiveness and institutional standing. Speaker 2 urged continuing the STEPS work and completing the master plan, after which staff will pursue MAP/CAP reviews and associated grant opportunities to cover assessment costs.

No formal vote was taken. The board requested staff provide updates on the master plan's procurement and progress toward completing the remaining STEPS components.