Museum Association
of Arizona

Inviting local, state and federal elected officials and their staff members into your museum is a great way to show them what museums are and what museums do – from world-class exhibitions to working with local students and community members on critical life skills.  

Although you can do this at any time of year, the August Congressional Recess is a great time to send your invitation. 

The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) provides a How-To Guide with the following helpful steps:

1. Find out who represents you in Congress.  You can check here for contact information for the Arizona Congressional delegation (U.S. Senators and Representatives)

2. Send an email invitation to your legislator's office. AAM offers a sample invitation that you can copy or can be automatically sent to your legislator.    You may want to personalize the letter with specific information about your museum and its history.

3. Follow up with the office after sending the invitation by calling the legislator’s office.

4.  Decide on the message you want to convey and programs you want to emphasize, such as:
- What makes your museum essential to your community?
- What community programs do you offer?
- Have your received any federal grants and what projects have they support?

5. Invite board members, volunteers and visitors who have been inspired by your museum to participate.

6. Confirm details with the legislator’s office and your colleagues.

7. During the visit give the legislator and staff a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum or your collections, a tour of your newest or most innovative exhibit, or stop by a program that is taking place at the museum with students or other community members.  Remember to take photos!

8. Share on social media before and after the visit.

9. After the visit thank your member of Congress for attending, as well as any staff that visited or helped schedule the event.