There are approximately 15,000 museums in the United States:  
75% are small museums and 43% are situated in rural areas*

• There are 865 million visits per year to American museums – a 50% increase from just a decade ago. The museum-going trend coincides with museums’ increased level of educational and community service.
• 88% of museums offer programs for K-12 students.  Millions of school children participate in these programs every year. In 1997, museums spent $193 Million on student programs and provided 3.9 million instructional hours.
• Museums emphasis on authenticity makes them trusted resources for researchers in every field.
• Museums use their subject matter expertise to develop curriculum related educational programs.
• Museums care for the materials that represent our cultural heritage.  They hold over 750 million objects and specimens.

*American Association of Museums