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). While some organizations are restricted in their ability to meet some of these guidelines, AHS seeks to support those who recognize the importance of the standards and who demonstrate a desire to adhere to them within the constraints of their individual circumstance.
AHS provides support to CHIs with access to industry professionals, networking2021-22 Small Grant Application 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.
Certified Historical Institution Informational Webinar
- View the recorded informational webinar here.
Certification Important Dates
2023 Certification Dates
- Certification New and Renewal Application Submissions: December 1, 2022- January 30, 2023
- Board Of Directors Application Review: March 31, 2023
- Applicant Notification: March 31, 2023
2023 Grant Dates
- 2021-22 Grant Final Reports Due: June 15, 2023
- 2023 Small Grant Application Period Opens June 1, 2023
- 2023 Small Grants Application Period Closes July 15, 2023
- Board of Directors Review: July 29, 2023
- Grant Notification: August 15, 2023
- Checks Issued and Mailed/Delivered: September 15, 2023
Forms
Certification:
Certification Guidelines
- View the Guidelines PDF (includes Certification Requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2)
Certification Renewal (Open December 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023)
Please download the PDF to complete the renewal form.
Certification Application for *New* Applicants (Open December 1, 2022-January 15, 2023)
Please download the PDF to complete the form.
Grants
2022-23 Small Grant Final Report Form
Please download the PDF onto your desktop to complete the form.
- 2022-23 Small Grant Report (Due June 15, 2023)
2023-24 Small Grant Application Form
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.)
- 2023-24 Small Grant Application Form (Due July 15, 2023)
- 2023-24 Grant Application Budget Form (Required)
Questions
For questions about the Certified Historical Institution Program, please contact [email protected] or call 520-617-1141.
