About the Certified Historical Institution Program
The Arizona Historical Society (AHS) Certified Historical Institution (CHI) Program is designed to support historical museums and organizations across the state of Arizona in their efforts to collect, preserve and share Arizona’s rich history. This program is open to brick-and-mortar facilities, as well as historical organizations that fulfill certain requirements related to the preservation and sharing of Arizona history.
CHIs demonstrate efforts to follow and apply standards or “best practices” established by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Understanding some organizations are restricted in their ability to meet these guidelines, AHS seeks to support those that recognize the importance of the standards and demonstrate a desire to adhere to industry best practices.
AHS provides support to CHIs with access to industry professionals, statewide networking and educational materials. CHIs are eligible for grants up to $2,000 per year.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 Certification
In addition to other requirements as defined in the Certification Guidelines, Tier 1 organizations must be open to the public, and/or offer educational programming aligned with the organization’s mission a minimum of 416 hours per year. Tier 2 organizations must be open to the public, and/or offer educational programming aligned with the organization’s mission a minimum of 108 hours per year. This requirement can be met through a combination of museum hours and public programming, or solely on public programming. Tier 1 CHIs are eligible for an annual grant of up to $2,000. Tier 2 CHIs are eligible for an annual grant of up to $1,000.
Membership
Membership at the Institutional level or above is required for certification. This membership is designed for historical organizations and museums, schools, libraries and other institutions. It includes a subscription to the Journal of Arizona History. To become a member at the Institutional Membership level or above, visit our Membership page.
Certification Important Dates
CHI Certification Dates
- Check back for 2026 certification dates
CHI Small Grant Dates
- 2024-25 Grant Final Reports Due: June 15, 2025
- 2025 Small Grant Application Period Opens June 1, 2025
- 2025 Small Grants Application Period Closes July 15, 2025
- Board of Directors Review: July 25, 2025
- Grant Notification: August 30, 2025
- Checks Issued and Mailed/Delivered: September 30, 2025
Forms
Certification:
Certification Guidelines
- View the Guidelines PDF (includes Certification Requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2)
Certification Renewal
Please download the PDF to complete the renewal form.
Certification Application for *New* Applicants
Please download the PDF to complete the form.
Grants
2024-25 Small Grant Final Report Form
Please download the PDF onto your desktop to complete the form.
- 2024-25 Small Grant Report (Due June 15, 2025)
2024 Small Grants Application Period Opens June 1 and closes July 15, 2025.
The CHI Small Grants are open to all 2025 Certified Historical Institutions. Tier-1 members may request up to $2,000. Tier-2 members may request up to $1,000.
Please download the Fillable PDF Application Form, and the Excel Budget Form onto your desktop to complete. Do not open and fill out without downloading and saving with the name of your organization.)
- 2025-26 Small Grant Application Form (Due July 15, 2025)
- 2025-26 Grant Application Budget Form (Required)
Questions
For questions about the Certified Historical Institution Program, please contact [email protected] or call 520-617-1154.
