MAAM reveals 2025 award winners

The Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums (MAAM), a not-for-profit organisation that brings together professionals, organisations, institutions and service providers from the museum sector, has revealed the recipients of its 2025 awards.

The honours recognise excellence in the museum sector, and will be celebrated at an award ceremony during MAAM's upcoming Annual Conference. This is taking place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 28 to 30 October.

The Katherine Coffey Award

Jane Werner, executive director of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, has been named as the 2025 recipient of The Katherine Coffey Award. This accolade recognises years of distinguished achievement in the museum sector.

Werner has over 40 years of museum experience, including 26 years as executive director of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. Here, she has transformed the institution into the country's largest cultural campus for children. The museum is widely regarded as a leader in accessibility and innovation, and has been named the #2 children's museum in the country by USA Today for the past three years running.

Under her leadership, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh has experienced significant growth. This has included a major expansion, the establishment of MuseumLab, and the refurbishment of a city park. Werner has secured over $50 million in capital funding, boosted the museum's endowment from $300,000 to $10 million, and increased yearly attendance by almost 300%.

Werner has advocated for equity through initiatives such as Museums for All, free family nights, and free Title I school field trips, while also creating award-winning exhibits and learning offerings that have reached millions of people across the US. Her visionary leadership has established the Children's Museum as a model of creativity, inclusivity, and impact.

The Emerging Museum Professional Award

The Emerging Museum Professional Award recognises rising stars in the museum industry who have made significant contributions to their institutions. Rosie Pregler, this year's recipient, is honoured for her efforts to make the Presque Isle Lighthouse a more engaging and inclusive community destination through her leadership in volunteer management, curation, and innovative guest experiences.

Pregler has progressed from interpretation assistant to site manager and curator since joining Lake Erie Lights in 2023. She oversees more than 100 volunteers, manages the Presque Isle Lighthouse site, and curates visitor experiences.

In addition to supervising interns, Pregler is currently coordinating an oral history project and is working to establish the site’s first archives and collection. Her commitment, creativity, and positivity have transformed the lighthouse’s exhibits into a more engaging and inclusive environment.

Making an Impact Award

MAAM understands that museums comprise strong, energetic teams that collaborate to make a long-lasting difference in their communities. As such, museums and institutions are recognised with the organisational Making an Impact Award.

This reflects the creation of a programme, exhibition, or special project that demonstrates adaptability and innovation, leading to constructive change for their organisations and communities.

The 2025 Making an Impact Award honourees are Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the expERIEnce Children’s Museum.

Since its establishment in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has become known as a global leader in sustainability and regenerative practices.

Its Climate Toolkit, created in partnership with major cultural associations, offers museums, gardens, and zoos concrete strategies to address climate change. With 243 institutions in 29 countries representing over 112 million visitors per year, Phipps’ leadership exemplifies the profound impact cultural organisations can have in advancing environmental stewardship worldwide.

The expERIEnce Children's Museum is known for its transformative Community School Nights Out programme, which reimagined the museum as a vital community resource.

To address barriers of cost, travel, and access, the programme collaborated with local schools, the United Way of Erie County, and nine organisations to provide families with STEAM activities, meals, and essential resources. This initiative, which benefits over 3,000 people and 13 schools, underscores the museum's significant role in promoting equity, education, and community wellbeing.

MAAM is proud to celebrate all of its 2025 award recipients.

This summer, MAAM announced that it has opened registrations for its 2025 Annual Conference. At this year’s conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, museum leaders, educators, curators, and innovators will gather to connect, learn, and explore the key issues shaping the future of museums.