VAM Annual Awards
These awards are an opportunity to formally recognize the inspirational museum leaders and changemakers in our community.
The Bill Martin Award
As of the 2027 VAM Annual Conference, this new annual award honors the legacy of Bill Martin, former VAM President and Director of the Valentine, who was widely known for his ability to bring people together, foster collaboration, and encourage museums to think expansively about their role in society. This award recognizes museum professionals whose work exemplifies Bill's visionary leadership, community building, and the amplification of untold or underrepresented stories.
The Innovation Award
Given each year to a museum that demonstrates a commitment to using their platform as a trusted source to build relationships and create meaningful impact within their community, this award honors the distinguished role institutions have to serve as conservation-starters around topics that effect both the museum field and our world at large.
The Museum Educator Award
Museum educators are the primary contact between museums and the K-12 school audience, and they provide critical service within the museum community that support the state’s educational goals, teacher education, and students' connections to our shared history and heritage. This award serves recognizes outstanding achievement in museum education by an individual working on behalf of their organization to create exceptional experiences for school-aged visitors.
The Ann Brownson Award
Established in 1999 by the Council of the Virginia Association of Museums to honor the service and accomplishments of council member Ann Brownson, this award honors an individual who has given outstanding service to the Virginia museum community and to the Virginia Association of Museums. Ann Brownson provided spirited and committed leadership as a member of the VAM Council from 1991-1999 and also served on the boards of many museums and cultural organizations throughout the Commonwealth.