Nationwide — Mass. Museum of African American History has lost a $500,000 grant after a Trump-era executive order froze funding and shut down the agency responsible for distributing it. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which oversees grants to cultural institutions, placed its staff on administrative leave, stopping payments to museums across the country, including MAAH.The grant, awarded in 2024, was intended to help MAAH expand over three years. The museum had received only a small portion before the freeze took effect. The money was set to fund new educator roles, boost marketing for school programs, and support family-focused events across its Boston and Nantucket locations.
MAAH President and CEO Dr. Noelle Trent said the setback is not just financial. “It’s more than the loss of funding for us, the executive orders of the White House administration have had an effect on the institution, resulting in a decline of our facility rentals, as well as in some of our visitors and our attendance and admissions.
“What those executive orders have done is given credence to the thought of de-prioritizing and overlooking African American history. So this move is another move to try to silence the work that has been done here and has been going on for over 60 years,” she said, according to The Bay State Banner.
Dr. Vedet Coleman Robinson, president of the Association of African American Museums, said other institutions are facing the same issue. Many had already started work on grant-funded projects but now find themselves in a deficit with no way to recover funds.
Trent said the uncertainty around funding makes it difficult to plan ahead. Still, she’s encouraged by the local support and is committed to continuing the museum’s work.
MAAH remains focused on preserving the stories of African Americans and the broader history of resistance in Massachusetts. From Frederick Douglass to grassroots movements, the museum highlights how these narratives helped shape the country.
Trent thanked those who have already stepped up with donations and support. She hopes the museum can replace the lost funding and keep pushing forward.