Introduction
The Council of American Maritime Museums (CAMM) values museums and other similar organizations that interpret maritime history and the service they provide to the public. Its Members and Board of Directors embrace fairness, inclusiveness, diversity, innovation, and integrity and work to advance CAMM’s mission.
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to the public good, CAMM is accountable to the public, transparent in its operations, responsible in its stewardship of resources, and committed to excellence.
This Code of Ethics applies to CAMM’s Board of Directors and its membership organizations. The Board of Directors is elected by the CAMM membership.
Membership organizations include those museums and institutions that meet the criteria of membership as outlined in the Bylaws; and formally adopt the Bylaws of CAMM, as well as this Code of Ethics.
CAMM’s Board of Directors is actively committed to informing its members about the
Code of Ethics and its application, as well as engaging them in evaluating the code regularly, and creating policies and procedure that reflect shared values.
Mission
The mission of the Council of American Maritime Museums, approved by its membership, is to uphold, promote, and further the welfare, programs, and activities of maritime museums in North America. To this end the organization shall: 1) work to insure that the highest professional standards are adhered to in the preservation and interpretation of maritime history, as reflected in collections, site, vessels, and projects; and 2) encourage cooperation between member institutions in the areas of research, exhibition, publication, and public awareness. Further, the organization shall, when appropriate, promote legislation supportive of the purposes outlined above.
Legal Compliance
CAMM’s board and membership organizations comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and international conventions (i.e.UNESCO).
Archaeological Standards: CAMM member organizations shall adhere to archaeological standards consistent those of AAM, the American Association of Museums, and ICOM, the International Council of Museums, and shall not knowingly acquire or exhibit artifacts that have been stolen, illegally exported from their country of origin, or illegally
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salvaged or removed from commercially exploited archaeological or historic sites in recent times.
Native American Graves Repatriation Act (NAGPRA): CAMM member organizations shall adhere to all the conditions of the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act
(NAGPRA) and will file with U.S. Department of Interior that they are currently in compliance and hold no such materials as identified by this legislation.
Personal and Professional Conduct
In their dealings as representatives of the association, the CAMM board acts professionally with honesty, integrity, and openness. Its members treat each other and
CAMM constituents fairly and with respect.
Conflict of Interest
CAMM board members and membership organizations act in the best interest of the association rather than furtherance of personal interests or the interests of third parties, such as family and friends. Decisions about the association and the use or disposition of its assets are made solely in terms of the benefits to CAMM and are neither influenced nor appear to be influenced by any private profit, personal gain, or outside benefit for board members, member organizations, family members, friends, or the organizations with which they are affiliated.
Compensation
No member of the Board of Directors or representative of a member organization shall receive any compensation for his or her services in such capacity, but he or she may be reimbursed by the corporation for his or her reasonable expenses and disbursements on behalf of the association.
Board of Directors
CAMM has an active Board of Directors that guides the association’s mission, strategic direction, and policies; and has oversight of its finances. The board ensures that its members act for the benefit of CAMM and its public purpose with integrity and honesty, that CAMM’s resources are responsibly and prudently managed, and that CAMM has the capacity to carry out its programs effectively.
Integrity
CAMM responds to the needs of the maritime museum field and is committed to improving its organizational effectiveness. It strives to inform all of its constituents, the media, policy makers, and the public with information that is accurate, clear, and informed.
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Awards
When granting awards, CAMM:
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Has guidelines in place to ensure fairness and consistency;
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Maintains constructive relations with applicants based on mutual respect and shared goals;
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Communicates clearly and on a timely basis;
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Respects applicants or nominees’ expertise in their fields of knowledge;
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Seeks to understand and respect the needs of those seeking grants or stipends.
Fiscal Responsibility
CAMM manages its funds responsibly and prudently by:
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Drawing from its endowment funds consistent with donor intent, member approved policy, and in support of the endowments’ public purpose;
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Ensuring that all spending practices and policies are fair, reasonable, and appropriate to fulfill its mission;
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Generating financial reports that are accurate, complete, and accessible in all material aspects.
Fund-Raising and Business Practices
CAMM is truthful in its fundraising solicitation material. It handles information about donations with confidentiality to the extent provided by the law, expends funds consistent with donor intent, and provides appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
In all cases, and for the good name of the association and its members, CAMM may enter into agreements only with reputable organizations whose image, product, and services do not conflict with CAMM’s mission or values.
Disclosure
CAMM provides comprehensive information about the association and responds in a timely manner to reasonable requests for information. Basic data about CAMM – such as the form 990, annual reports, audits, and policies - are available to the public
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