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 which are made available through unique and dedicated annual appropriations by the Arizona Governor and Legislature. The AHS and the Certified Historical Institutions are grateful for this support.
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.
How to become a CHI
Using the Certification Guidelines, determine if you are eligible. If you are eligible, complete either the Tier 1 or Tier 2 Certification Application, sending it and all required paperwork to [email protected] or mailing it to Jaynie Adams at 949 E 2nd St, Tucson AZ 85719. The coordinator may contact you for additional information. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, please give us 60-90 days to make a determination.
Certification
Guidelines
View the Guidelines PDF (includes Certification Requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2)
Certification for New Applicants
Please download the PDF to complete the form. These forms are fillable.
Grants
In the 2025-2026 grant cycle, the Arizona Historical Society awarded 32 grants, totaling nearly $34,000. These grants supported artifact conservation, archival storage updates, public programming, new exhibits, and more!
Small Grants Application
Period Opens June 1 and closes July 15, 2026.
The CHI Small Grants are open to Certified Historical Institutions in good standing. Tier-1 members may request up to $2,000. Tier-2 members may request up to $1,000.
Active CHIs can access the grant application through the CHIs only portal. Log in credentials have been sent to active CHIs, please contact us at [email protected] if you need assistance.
Small Grant Final Report Form
This is a web form. Please complete the form in your web brower. The completed, e-signed forms will be automatically transfered. If you would perfer to complete and mail your final report, please contact us at [email protected]
CHI Small Grant Final Report (Due June 15, 2026)
Questions
For questions about the Certified Historical Institution Program, please contact [email protected] or call 520-617-1154.
