On March 14, 2025 President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) among other entities. IMLS is an independent federal agency that provides library grants, museum grants, policy development, and research.
New York State museums and libraries are reacting to Trump’s order that “the non-statutory components and functions of the following governmental entities shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, and such entities shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.”
In a message to supporters, the Iroquois Museum said “over the last 45 years IMLS has been a substantial source of funding for the Museum and losing the opportunity to apply for this and other federal programs will have a serious negative effect on our public programs and fiscal stability. Our ability to make up for the loss of federal and/or state funding through private donations and earned income will be extremely difficult.”
The Museum has received $70,000 from IMLS since 2022 they said, encouraging supporters to contact the congressional representatives.
The Vermont Historical Society (VHS) is also concerned, noting that they currently has two active grants with IMLS and is hoping they will be continued to be honored.
“Loss of the IMLS will severely impact the support provided to Vermont’s local libraries through the Vermont Department of Libraries,” VHS said in an announcement to supporters.
“History is housed in libraries. Libraries hold the books that tell our stories, they have rich histories that are intertwined with our towns and villages, and often the local historical society is housed right in the library,” they said.
“Local libraries are community hubs, where children congregate after school and older Vermonters access resources. Many rely heavily upon the programs and grants that IMLS funds. Now and in the coming months, our libraries will need our support.”
Established in 1996, IMLS is the main source of federal support for libraries and museums within the United States, having the mission to “advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant-making, research, and policy development.”
IMLS is currently undertaking the first ever National Museum Survey dedicated to understanding the scope and scale of museums’ presence and reach within the United States. There is no word on whether that will be completed.
The order says they have until Friday to comply.
You can read the Executive Order here.
Read about recent IMLS programs in New York State.
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