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Use the arrows below to chart the progress of the Lester F. Larsen Tractor Test & Power Museum as it strive to meet national museum standards.

In 2010, the Museum enrolled into the StEPs program. This program is available through the American Association for State and Local History (ASALH). The program allows participants to review national museum standards and use a series of performance indicators to assess how well their organization is meeting those standards.

  • Standards are accepted levels of attainment that all organizations are expected to achieve.
  • Performance indicators measure the degree to which standards are being met.
Our goal is to plan and complete projects that move our organization up the Basic, Good and Better performance indicator ladder in each of the six program sectors. As our organization progresses by meeting all performance indicators within a section, it will be awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold Certificates.

As the museum uses StEPs to identify its strengths and opportunities for improvement, it is realizing the following benefits:

  • Education and awareness of standards for staff and volunteers, members of the governing authority and members of the community
  • Increased credibility with funders, the community and stakeholders
  • Valuable opportunities to make the case for improvement to funders and other stakeholders for staffing, training, materials, and equipment
  • Improved policies and practices
  • Clear direction for future improvement and long-term sustainability
  • Meaningful progress as we identify, articulate and measure accomplishments
  • Easier and more meaningful budget and long-range planning
  • Preparation for other programs including the American Association of Museum (AAM) Assessment (MAP) and Accreditation Programs