Trump's Federal Grant Cuts Could Affect Museum Of African-American History In Boston

The Museum of African-American History in Boston is now worried about its future after the federal government terminated its $500,000 three-year grant. Dr. Noelle Trent, the museum’s president and CEO, shared her concerns during an interview. The museum is housed in the historic African Meeting House, built in 1806, and the country’s first public school specifically for Black students, established in 1835. “There were lectures by Frederick Douglass here and William Lloyd Garrison,” Trent highlighted, stressing the historical significance of the space.

Last June, the Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the museum the grant to fund school field trips, educational programs, and staff expansion. However, Trent said the government ended the grant abruptly. “Yesterday, we received notice from the federal government that our grant had been terminated and part of the reasoning was that we no longer align with the White House policies,” she explained.

This sudden loss of funds has left the museum in a tough position. “There is frustration because we worked very hard to create something new for the museum,” Trent said, adding that the grant was crucial for expanding programs and supporting staff. The museum might also be required to return any unused money, amounting to over $100,000. “It will affect our ability to do programming moving forward,” she emphasized.

As the museum grapples with these challenges, Trent made a direct appeal to the community for support. “If you care about this place, we need you. We need you to join us in this fight,” she said. She stressed the importance of preserving the museum’s mission and historic structures. “And what’s important for us is to engage with our community and continue to make sure that these stories are here and that these buildings remain here for the next 100 years,” Trent concluded, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to telling Black history in Boston for generations to come.

Link: CBS