Eliminating Federal grants for thousands of programs relating to history and the humanities will have profound consequences
One of the great successes in the struggle to educate young people about our nation's past has been the National History Day competition. For anyone who cares about history, it's heartening to see hundreds of earnest young scholars show off that they learned in exhibits, essays, websites, documentaries and plays.
Each year over half a million students in all 50 states, with the help of tens of thousands of teachers, show off the research they've done. They learn about people and events that made our country great, from military heroes to inventors and scientists. Competition can be fierce among schools in a county. Then the winners compete at state competitions, and finally the national level.
Shockingly, the bad boys of DOGE have cut all Federal funding for National History Day in their assault on government spending. How is this "fraud, waste, and abuse?" This is not the way to "make America great again."
The elimination of the $330,000 grant to NHD was only one of 1,200 grants eliminated in the National Endowment for the Humanities. Gone is funding for digitization projects, oral history initiatives, library renovations, and the program that brings Smithsonian exhibits to smaller communities.
The National Endowment for the Arts is facing similar catastrophic cuts.
As important these grants are for the history community, DOGE's thoughtless cuts to the Institute for Museum and Library Services are even worse.
"For museums, NEH and NEA are here in importance," says Gary Vikan, holding his hand out in front of him. "But IMLS is up here," he says, reaching his hand far over his head. Vikan was the longtime Director of the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore.
Here is the IMLS mission statement:
“The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive.”
Just who exactly is against funding museums, historical societies, and libraries?
Federal grants are often modest to smaller museums and libraries, but they can be critical in helping local institutions gain additional funds from local foundation, corporations, and wealthy donors. So this terrible misdeed will have a multiplier effect.
Maybe use some of this post if I get permission:
InkRose • 2mo ago The news is not good for us. I am in a small library and am likely to be among the first to get cut. I am literally the only one doing anything for adult programming, outreach, our state/local history room, and the only one who staffs the reference desk. I am horrifically burnt out, but if I lose any of my hours, I have to leave since I already don't get paid enough to live.