Counting the Cost | Protecting Our Past & Securing Our Future

In times like this, I’m reminded just how important our role is as collection caretakers—and of the staggering cost to our country if funding is threatened. Without these resources, history itself is at risk. Priceless collections could be lost, historic sites neglected, and educational programs eliminated. The landscape will become dire, impacting everything from state historic preservation offices to smaller local institutions, from cancelled projects to widespread staff layoffs. Local communities, who rely on these organizations to connect with and share their heritage, could be cut off from their own history. 

I know you get it.

Even before the new year, the FY2025 budget was struggling to be passed. Currently, the continuing resolution is set to end March 14, 2025. Originally the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) was advocating for an increase in funding. However, the current climate and chaos indicate our advocacy must be to keep these agencies ALIVE and FUNDED.

So why should our congressional representatives prioritize our cause? It's simple: the people they’re committed to serving will suffer. History, art, and culture define us as Americans, and if funding disappears, the impact will extend far beyond the walls of institutions. The fact that this threat has exponentially increased on the eve of America’s 250th anniversary is particularly poignant 

For legislators, this is more than a political issue—it's a human one.

Colleagues, we need to take action. NOW.

Once funding is gone, restoring it will be next to impossible. Agencies like the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) are vital to our sector’s survival, and if they disappear, so does critical support for preservation, education, and access. We urge you to direct your advocacy efforts to protecting IMLS, NEH, NEA, and Historic Preservation funding for the State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs).

5 STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TODAY

Reach out to your decision-makers –

• Get familiar with the list of critical issues and suggested calls for policy reform posted by the American Alliance of Museums.
• Learn how to effectively communicate with Congress, and email your Reps.

Pro tip: Consider who you’re talking to, and appeal to their chief motivation (money, mission, strategy, ego, or, you know…just doing the right thing)!

Strengthen local partnerships – Build relationships with nearby organizations, schools, and businesses to expand your network to garner long-term support. These localized relationships are critical to weathering the storm during highly-volatile times.

Tap into local & regional funding – If federal support wanes, local grants and nonprofit funding could be a lifeline. Research organizations whose main priority is aligned with heritage preservation. 

Diversify your revenue streams – Museums can no longer rely on federal and municipal funding for support. Expanding memberships, boosting donations, and shifting to community-driven financial models can help sustain you in lean times.

Know how to communicate your value – Decision-makers are swayed by compelling data and powerful stories. Use metrics (visitor numbers, memberships, engagement stats) along with personal testimonials as proof that your mission matters. Get crystal clear on your value proposition, and find ways to present it to folks on different ends of the political spectrum. This may mean adjusting your language in order to get to a unifying value.

SPEAK UP!