"[2] According to notes later left in CMA bylaws, the intention had been to form an association in the 1930s, but this was delayed because of the Second World War.

I am all for most cordial cooperation with the American Museums Association in every way but we need an organization of our own to deal with problems which are particularly Canadian.

[5] In 1992, CMA, in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, published the report Turning The Page with recommendations on repatriation of human remains and sacred objects to indigenous communities.

The CMA published its report, Moved to Action: Activating UNDRIP in Canadian Museums, in 2022.

[9] The CMA is governed by an elected Board of Directors and maintains a full-service Secretariat in Ottawa.

Since its founding, CMA has had eleven executive directors: CMA publishes its bilingual bimonthly Muse magazine and offers its members services such as advocacy on broad public policy, an insurance program and awards, among other services.