SAA Statement on FY2026 NHPRC Funding

June 18, 2025—The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) FY2026 budget justification eliminates funding for the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). NHPRC administers grants to state and local organizations to preserve documents and records that inform our understanding of US history. Over the last four years, NHPRC has been funded at an average of $9.75 million each year. That small sliver of the federal budget makes an incredible impact.

NHPRC funding supports State Historical Records Advisory Boards (SHRABs) “to preserve and promote access to local historical records.” SHRABs in each state are staffed with archives experts and provide vital advice and resources to local archives and historical societies, which are often run by volunteers. These organizations would not have access to professional archives expertise without SHRABs.

NHPRC funding also provides direct support for archival projects and efforts to publish documentary editions of historical records. These projects bring history to the people through interactive websites and digital editions, such as Founders Online, which provides access to over 184,000 scanned documents from the early republic. As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, projects like Founders Online are crucial to sharing the stories of the founding of the US.

Tell your senators and representatives to support robust appropriations for NHPRC, a critical resource for archives. NHPRC projects touch people across the United States. Use the NHPRC site to find grants in your state and publishing projects that may interest your legislators. Then, find your legislators’ phone numbers through the US Congress website and share the importance of NHPRC and archives.