The Division of Arkansas Heritage and Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (MTCC) announces the appointment of MTCC Director Quantia “Key” Fletcher to the Accreditation Commission of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), making her the first AAM commissioner in Arkansas history.

The AAM Accreditation Program, considered the gold standard for museum excellence for over 50 years, relies on the dedication and collective experience of the Accreditation Commission. These committed volunteers make decisions regarding a museum’s accreditation status and provide leadership in the field to ensure the museums are aligned with their own missions, changing communities, and with the complex environment in which they operate and serve the public.

“I could not think of anyone more deserving of this appointment than Key Fletcher,” Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage said. “The American Alliance of Museums is known for its efforts to champion museums and nurture excellence in partnership with members and allies. As director of Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Key has played a major role in achieving national accreditation for the museum, led the development of the museum’s first children’s gallery, and successfully completed a multimillion-dollar funding campaign.”

AAM commissioners self-nominate and are appointed by the AAM Board Chair based on recommendations from a nominating committee comprised of representatives from the AAM Board, Accreditation Commission, and several discipline-specific organizations. This year’s nominating committee received 78 applications for only six spots.

“I am beyond honored to accept this appointment to the Accreditation Commission of the American Alliance of Museums,” Quantia “Key” Fletcher, director of the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, said. “Accreditation provides incredible benefits to museums, and I look forward to helping guide these institutions to achieving their goals of excellence.”

Key has taken a major role in shaping the trajectory of the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and Arkansas Black history and culture, both locally and regionally. She was instrumental in achieving the museum’s national accreditation in 2020, a distinction held by only 3 percent of museums in the U.S. She is an Accreditation Peer Reviewer, and previously worked as an interpretive ranger for the National Park Service at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.