by Guy Page
A Vermont history program that lost federal funding has been saved – at least for now – by local contributors writing checks.
The Vermont Historical Society (VHS) received notice in mid-April that the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) would be terminating funding for its Activating 21st Century Local History program. In a termination letter delivered Wednesday, April 14, IMLS stated the program “no longer serves the interests of the United States,” a characterization VHS leadership has called both “unnecessarily cold” and inaccurate.
Despite the setback, VHS announced a few days later that thanks to a wave of local support, the program will be able to complete its first year. Multiple private donors, including Marilyn Blackwell and George Burrill, stepped forward with generous contributions to underwrite the program through October.
“We are delighted that we can see through the first year of this two-year project,” said Steve Perkins, Executive Director of VHS. “This support means we can complete the pilot cohort and build systems that will sustain some of this important work into the future.”
The abrupt loss of federal support put the project—and the position of key staff member Hannah Kirkpatrick—at risk. However, with new funding secured, Kirkpatrick will remain on board to lead the work through the critical first year.
The program was designed to strengthen local historical societies and museums across Vermont, preserving community histories and improving public access. Originally envisioned as a two-year initiative, the unexpected funding cut means some goals will now go unmet. Perkins noted that the uncertainty caused by the disruption has already had a negative impact, a trend he said is being felt not just in Vermont, but in libraries, museums, and other sectors nationwide.
“It is wasteful to expend federal funds to initiate a strong program and then truncate it before seeing the results,” Perkins said.
Still, the VHS is heartened by the overwhelming community response. “Vermonters have made a commitment to support our work, and we will return that commitment by continuing thoughtful, evidence-based work in support of local historical societies and museums,” Perkins said.