History of the Museums Association

The History of the Museums Association is the history of the UK based Museums Association (MA), which is the oldest museum association in the world. The concept was first proposed by Elijah Howarth of the Weston Park Museum, Sheffield in 1877.

The Objects
The objects of the MA were stated as follows:
 * The object of the Association shall be the promotion of better and more systematic working of Museums throughout the Kingdom. In order to promote a better knowledge of Museums, the Association shall meet in a different town each succeeding year.
 * That each Museum contributing not less than one guinea a year be a Member of the Association, and that individuals interested in scientific work be admitted as Associates on payment of 10s. 6d. annually.
 * That each Museum be represented by three delegates, each having one vote. Each Associate to have one vote.
 * That each Museum belonging to the Association and each Associate receive one copy of the publications of the Association.
 * That a General Meeting of the Association be held annually, for the transaction of business, the reading of papers, and the discussion of matters relating to Museums

Annual Conferences
The Museums Association held annual conferences incorporating the Annual General Meeting, hosted by different museums: