Key Takeaways:
- A federal agency that funded Mississippi’s museums, libraries, and cultural institutions faces an uncertain future after being placed on administrative leave.
- The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has provided millions of dollars to Mississippi, supporting projects like the Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University.
- Without these funds, cultural preservation and education projects in Mississippi may grind to a halt.
- Leaders warn that losing this funding could harm access to historical resources, especially in rural areas.
Federal Funding at Risk for Mississippi’s Cultural Institutions
For nearly 30 years, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has quietly supported Mississippi’s museums, libraries, and cultural institutions with millions of dollars in grants. Now, this vital funding is under threat.
In a recent move, an executive order from former President Donald Trump placed nearly 70 IMLS employees on administrative leave. This has left the future of programs like the Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University hanging in the balance.
Robert Luckett, director of the Margaret Walker Center, says his team relies on these grants to preserve Mississippi’s rich history. “We don’t have the funding to do this,” Luckett said. “We’ll be back to square one.”
What’s at Stake for Mississippi
IMLS funding has been a lifeline for Mississippi’s cultural institutions. Over the years, the agency has awarded grants to projects across the state. For example:
- Jackson State University: In 2011, the Margaret Walker Center received $48,000 to train staff in preserving historical artifacts. This grant allowed them to learn from larger museums nationwide.
- Hinds Community College: In 2020, the Utica campus got $101,000 to create an oral history project. This project recorded the stories of rural Black Mississippians who couldn’t visit the campus museum in person.
- University of Mississippi: The school received $500,000 to preserve historic recordings and $450,000 to digitize 3,800 audio and visual tapes.
These grants have been essential for smaller institutions that lack the resources to fund such projects on their own.
Why This Funding Matters
In Mississippi, many rural areas lack access to cultural resources. IMLS grants have helped fill this gap. For example, the oral history project at Hinds Community College provided a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard.
Luckett explains that these projects are not just about preserving the past—they’re also about educating the future. “Protecting the state’s historical collections and providing access to them are key for students to engage in scholarship and research,” he said.
Without IMLS funding, these efforts could disappear.
A Call to Action
The situation is dire. Earlier this year, the Margaret Walker Center applied for another grant to renovate Ayer Hall, the oldest building on Jackson State’s campus. But after learning that the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) terminated their grant, the center’s plans are now in jeopardy.
Leaders like Stuart Rockoff, executive director of the Mississippi Humanities Council, are sounding the alarm. “In Mississippi, our greatest strength is our history and culture,” Rockoff said. “Our grants and programs have helped highlight that, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.”
Luckett agrees. He urges people to pay attention to what’s happening with IMLS. “These are public servants doing these jobs, who are committed and who aren’t willing to get rich,” he said. “This assault on IMLS is something we should all be worried about.”
The Bigger Picture
While IMLS funding makes up less than 1% of the federal budget, its impact is huge. For states like Mississippi, where cultural institutions often struggle to find support, these grants are a lifeline.
The loss of this funding would mean more than just canceled projects—it would mean losing a part of Mississippi’s identity.
As Luckett put it, “Our history and culture are what make us who we are. Without these funds, we risk losing the stories that define our state.”
What You Can Do
If you’re concerned about the future of Mississippi’s cultural institutions, there are steps you can take:
- Stay informed: Learn more about the role of IMLS and its impact on your state.
- Speak up: Contact your elected officials and express your support for continued funding of IMLS.
- Get involved: Volunteer or donate to local cultural organizations that rely on these grants.
Together, we can ensure that Mississippi’s history and culture continue to thrive for generations to come.
The fate of IMLS—and the cultural institutions it supports—is in our hands. Let’s make sure their stories are heard.