ABSTRACT
In 1987, when the American Association of Museums set out to create a code of ethics, it did not know how formidable a task it had set itself. Five years later, after great efforts by a large number of professionals and much spirited, at times forceful, but always informative debate, a code is in place. Even now, however, two key elements continue to be debated. To best understand AAM’s Code of Ethics, and what was intended by its creation, it is necessary to know how it evolved to its present stage of development.
