The Trump administration is threatening deep cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an agency that provides essential funding and leadership to history organizations across the country. With more than 21,000 history museums, historical societies, and related organizations in the United States, IMLS plays a vital role in preserving our nation’s heritage, expanding access to history, and supporting the educational and economic contributions of our institutions.
The president’s executive order directs IMLS to eliminate non-statutory programs and reduce personnel to the bare minimum. If these cuts proceed, they could effectively dismantle IMLS, putting funding for history organizations at risk. On the eve of the nation’s 250th anniversary, we should be investing in the agencies that support the preservation and sharing of our nation’s story, not weakening them.
What You Can Do Now
We need to act immediately to tell our elected officials that IMLS is essential to history organizations and the communities they serve. Be as specific as possible when sharing how this executive order would harm your institution and community. Here’s how you can help:
- Call Your Members of Congress – Legislators need to hear from history organizations in their districts. Find their phone numbers and share the impact your institution has on your community and how your work would be undermined by action against IMLS. With Congress on recess this week, it’s important to call legislative offices in both D.C. and in your state. You can find and contact your representatives here: www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member. The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) has provided a draft script.
- Write to Congress – Personalize a template letter from AAM with stories about how IMLS has benefited your organization and your community.
- Engage Your Supporters – Share this message with your board, volunteers, members, and other stakeholders. Encourage them to reach out to their elected officials and speak up for history organizations.
- Reach Out to State and Local Officials – Ask them to advocate for IMLS with your state’s Congressional delegation. Local voices can have a powerful impact on national decisions.
Why This Matters
IMLS provides critical grants that help history museums:
- Preserve and care for historical collections
- Expand public access to history through digital resources
- Fund educational programs that engage students and lifelong learners
- Strengthen communities by supporting local history organizations
IMLS funding makes history accessible to millions of Americans. It is a Congressionally authorized agency that has received bipartisan support for years. Now, more than ever, we must remind Congress that history organizations matter.
Speak up today—help protect IMLS and the future of history organizations across the country.
AASLH will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates. Thank you for your advocacy and dedication to history.
