Save Federal Museum Funding
WHAT’S AT STAKE WHEN WE LOSE FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR MUSEUMS?
On March 14, 2025, the Trump administration dismantled the only federal agency dedicated to supporting American museums and libraries. As a result, museums across the country are facing uncertainty and budget shortfalls. Since the March 14th Executive Order “Continuing The Reduction Of The Federal Bureaucracy” targeted the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the entire IMLS staff was put on administrative leave, and thousands of organizations have received communication that their grants have been terminated. IMLS provides essential federal support to museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions.
The Sciencenter was notified on April 10th, 2025, that two federally awarded grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), totaling nearly $500,000, have been terminated. These grants, awarded through IMLS’s established competitive process and funded by Congressional appropriations, were intended to support critical science education initiatives for rural and underserved communities in the region.
IMLS grants have supported the Sciencenter’s mission since 1997, helping to bring innovative STEM education to local families and students. Past projects have included early learning programs in partnership with Head Start and the development of hands-on engineering exhibits.
Your voice matters. Please act now to safeguard the future of IMLS and the institutions that depend on its support.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Contact your congressional representatives:
Send emails or letters and make calls urging them to protect the essential funding and services IMLS provides to museums and libraries across the country. Below is a template you can use when contacting your representatives:
Washington D.C.: (202) 224-6542
Binghamton: (607) 772-6792
Washington D.C: (202) 224-4451
Rochester: (585) 263-6250
Washington D.C.: (202) 225-5441
Binghamton: (607) 242-0200
SAMPLE LETTER/EMAIL LANGUAGE
Dear [Legislator],
I am writing to express strong concerns over the March 14 Executive Order targeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). I urge you to speak up to the Trump administration and prevent them from moving forward with this damaging approach.
[STORY ILLUSTRATING WHY THE SCIENCENTER AND OTHER MUSEUMS ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU]
This agency provides essential funding and guidance for the vast collections of museums across America. They are also community anchors, supporting youth and senior citizens, serving people with disabilities, and helping veterans heal. Beyond education, museums are economic engines, providing jobs, driving tourism, and serving as community cornerstones. Museums cannot do this vital work without the support they receive from agencies like IMLS.
I urge you to speak up to the Administration, stressing the importance of IMLS continuing to operate as a Congressionally authorized independent agency at its current scope, an agency that has been appropriated funds on a bipartisan basis for decades. Protecting this essential agency is critical to preserving the vital role museums play in education, the economy, and community infrastructure across the country. Support for museums is overwhelmingly popular. Research shows that 96% of Americans would approve of lawmakers who act to support museums, and 96% of Americans want to maintain or increase federal funding for museums.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[name]
PHONE SCRIPT
Hello. My name is {_____} and I am a constituent living in {city/town}.
I am calling to express strong concerns over the March 14 Executive Order targeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and urge {Rep/Sen _____} to speak up to the Administration stressing the importance of IMLS continuing to operate as a Congressionally authorized independent agency at its current scope, an agency that has been appropriated funds on a bipartisan basis for decades. Protecting this essential agency is critical to preserving the vital role museums play in education, the economy, and community infrastructure across the country.
{Share your personal story about the impact the Sciencenter and other museums have had on you and your family.}
Thank you for your time and for passing along my message to {Rep./Sen ___}