The Hermosa Beach Museum has joined an exclusive club. After a five-year process, the small Pier Avenue institution earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, placing it among just 1,100 accredited museums nationwide and 79 in California.

"It's pretty cool to be amongst that small number, and it means that we're operating at a high national standard," museum director and curator Jamie Erickson told the Daily Breeze. "One of the things that I love is this museum was really built by the community, for the community."

The distinction is rare for a museum of its size. Of California's 79 accredited institutions, only about 15% have a staff comparable to the Hermosa Beach Museum's, according to Erickson. The museum at 710 Pier Ave. is run by the Hermosa Beach Historical Society, a nonprofit that relies on a small paid staff and dozens of volunteers.

To meet accreditation standards, the museum expanded its hours to five days per week, hired Ryan Basford as a full-time program and education manager and added Amara Ly as a part-time curator. The AAM describes accreditation as the field's "gold standard of museum excellence" for more than 50 years, requiring a self-study, submission of operational documents and a site visit by peer reviewers. The designation also opens doors to grant funding and facilitates loans between institutions.

The museum will celebrate the milestone at its 10th annual gala fundraiser, "Dancing Through the Decades," on Saturday, Aug. 22, starting at 6 p.m. at St. Cross Church, 1818 Monterey Blvd. in Hermosa Beach. Tickets are $150 per person. The evening includes live music, dancing, dinner, drinks, an auction and games. Casual beach attire from any era is welcome.

Last year's gala raised nearly $75,000, making it the museum's largest annual fundraiser. Board member Jake Courtney, whose mother Dorothy Courtney, a founder of the Richstone Family Center, inspired the first gala a decade ago, said the event became essential as the museum's operating budget grew.

Looking ahead, Erickson said the museum plans to launch a capital campaign next year to build out education and storage space. In November 2025, the Hermosa Beach City Council approved a 10-year lease and expansion at the Hermosa Beach Community Center, giving the museum room to grow into space formerly used for city records.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Residents can purchase gala tickets or learn more at hermosabeachhistoricalsociety.org, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 310-318-9421.

Upcoming South Bay events:

• Thursday, Aug. 13: "Swimsuit Pop-out Exhibit" opening, 6 p.m., Hermosa Beach Museum, 710 Pier Ave. Runs through Oct. 23.
• Saturday, Aug. 22: "Dancing Through the Decades" gala, 6 p.m., St. Cross Church, 1818 Monterey Blvd., Hermosa Beach. Tickets $150.