Founded in 1962 as a support group for directors, AYM has broadened its services and purpose as an international association. The membership of the Association of Youth Museums reflects the many approaches, disciplines, and forms that characterize the international youth museum field. AYM welcomes the participation of established and emerging youth museums, as well as allied professions concerned with youth and learning. For this diverse and evolving constituency, AYM is a forum for interaction, a source of information and professional development, and a focus for collaboration. Membership ranges from traditional children's museums, to large collections-based institutions that are dedicated to serving young visitors through a variety of interactive exhibits, to groups that are in the planning phases of opening a children's museum.
Membership is also open to corporations, consultants, and individuals.