The Hermosa Beach Museum has made significant strides toward achieving accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) by 2026. This progress follows a series of milestones in 2025, including an approved expansion by the city of Hermosa Beach and the museum’s record-setting fundraiser in August.
Museum Director and Curator Jamie Erickson expressed optimism regarding the accreditation process, stating, “The end of this year was a huge celebration for us with a really optimistic accreditation report.” The museum’s journey towards accreditation began in 2022, although discussions among the board of directors started nearly a decade earlier. Achieving this status is crucial, as it opens the door to additional grant opportunities that support the museum’s operations.
To qualify for accreditation, the museum was required to increase its operational hours to the equivalent of five business days per week. This included hiring a full-time employee, bringing on Ryan Basford as the program and education manager, as well as a part-time curator, Amara Ly. These additions were part of a broader effort to enhance the museum’s offerings, which now feature rotating exhibits that highlight Hermosa Beach’s vibrant music history, including punk and jazz.
The museum faced financial challenges, as it operates as a non-profit and does not receive city funding. Despite these hurdles, the institution successfully hosted a site visit in August, receiving positive feedback that aligned with their existing practices. “That report was really fantastic,” Erickson noted, adding that the achievements felt “easily achievable” and were a cause for celebration.
Looking ahead, the museum will conduct a professional audit and submit a supplemental report in spring 2026, with feedback anticipated by July. In addition, the museum is finalizing its 25-year plan for future development.
The city has approved an expansion plan, which includes a 10-year lease to continue operations at the Hermosa Beach Community Center. A space previously used for city records will be converted to provide additional collections storage and a work area for volunteers. To fund these renovations, the museum plans to engage in further fundraising efforts, with renovations expected to occur in phases.
The recent annual gala, which typically takes place in August, raised nearly $75,000, marking the highest amount in the event’s history. The upcoming 10th anniversary of the gala is set for 2026, underscoring the community’s ongoing support.
In response to community generosity, the museum is implementing upgrades, including new seating and a projector with a drop-down screen. They are also enhancing events like “After Hours,” previously known as “Happy Hour With History.”
The first “After Hours” event of the new year will take place on January 22, 2026, featuring “Hermosa Beach Review Highlights, 1907-1972,” celebrating the recent digitization of a local paper published for over 70 years. Following this, on January 29, 2026, a panel discussion titled “We Got Power! South Bay Punk” will explore the 1980s punk rock scene, featuring notable figures such as Dez Cadena and Janet Housden, along with authors David Markey and Jordan Schwartz.
Erickson emphasized the museum’s goal to provide an upgraded experience for long-time supporters while attracting new visitors. “We’re definitely trying to give back to the people that have been with us for so many years and provide an upgraded experience,” she said.
For more information about the Hermosa Beach Museum and upcoming events, visit hermosabeachhistoricalsociety.org.
