About

Samantha Hunt-Durán, PA-AIC

MMM Owner & Founder 


Hello, my name is Samantha, Owner & Founder of Mountain Museum Management LLC (MMM) based in beautiful Aurora, Colorado. I established MMM after a decade of experience in the museum field, which encompassed training in: 



 MMM’s clients will reap the benefits of my experience in over 50 museum collections, more than 40 of which are federal. I have a uniquely holistic understanding of museum resource management and a proven track record of executing museum projects small and large. I have project managed several simultaneous collections management consulting contracts for federal, municipal, and private clients.


 Before establishing MMM, I cultivated experience in preventive conservation and benchwork conservation. I have had the privilege to treat hundreds of artworks and artifacts in professional settings, such as at the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, and conservation private practices. 


As a two-time alumna of the University of Denver, I earned both my MA in Art History (Concentration in Museum Studies) and BFA in Pre-Art Conservation from the wonderful DU programs. 


I actively maintain professional memberships with the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Registrars & Collection Specialists. Further, I am proud to be a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation, which is a prestigious designation for museum professionals involved in conservation who have had their training, knowledge, and experience reviewed by a body of their peers.


 I meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for History, as published in Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR Part 61.


 I am passionate about fostering awareness of collections preservation and planning. In my capacity as an educator, I teach museum management and collections care courses for the Northern States Conservation Center, empowering others with the tools to preserve our shared heritage. I also give back to my two-time alma mater by guiding Pre-Program Conservation students at the University of Denver through their first hands-on conservation projects.


 Beyond my professional endeavors, I have volunteered at various cultural organizations, including serving as the Vice President of the Cultural Council in Commerce City, Colorado. Commerce City has a diverse population. Its residents encompass a wide spectrum of racial and ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic conditions, life experiences, and housing journeys. It is also a hub for artists and fabricators. My life and service in this community was formative and informed my ability to code switch to communicate and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders.


I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Association of Registrars & Collection Specialists (ARCS), engaging in high-level strategy, oversight, and accountability of the organization. As one of the ARCS Board of Directors liaisons to the Education Committee, I help ensure that ARCS’ programming highlights new areas of knowledge and evolving policies impacting diverse communities within culture work. 


I am multi-lingual, speaking English, Spanish, and Italian.

Johann Durán-Hunt, AIA

MMM Owner & Architect 


Durán-Hunt is a licensed architect and co-owner of Mountain Museum Management LLC (MMM).


Johann earned his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas; and has since practiced in Denver, Colorado. His passion for design build and community integration led him to work on a wide range of project types and scales. He believes design should take a phenomenological approach that emphasizes human experiences and community engagement, through thoughtful collaboration, attention to detail, and creative problem solving.


He maintains professional memberships with the American Institute of Architects, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and National Organization of Minority Architects. 


In 2023 Johann was accepted into the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP), a competitive and prestigious program that train the next generation of leaders in architecture. After completing the program, Johann was elected Denver's CKLDP Vice Chair.


Aside from architecture, you’ll find Johann cycling around the city, baking at home, and spending time in the mountains with his wife and two pups.