SAA Echoes and Amplifies Calls from Allied Organizations to Defend IMLS

March 26, 2025—The Society of American Archivists (SAA) shares this information from our partners in the American Association for State and Local History in support of IMLS, following a March 14 Executive Order mandating an elimination of IMLS's "non-statutory components and functions." The SAA Council continues to monitor the situation at IMLS and is in conversation with colleagues at the Council of State Archivists (CoSA), the National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators (NAGARA), the Regional Archival Associations Consortium (RAAC), and other allied organizations about how we can best support the agency.  

We urge our members; other archival workers; and supporters of archives, libraries, and museums to take action today to convey the importance of maintaining IMLS's resourcing and to express your opinions regarding the strategic and ideological direction of the agency. 

From the American Association for State and Local History: 

Defend the Institute of Museum and Library Services—Take Action Now! 

The Trump administration is threatening deep cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an agency that provides essential funding and leadership to history organizations across the country. With more than 21,000 history museums, historical societies, and related organizations in the United States, IMLS plays a vital role in preserving our nation's heritage, expanding access to history, and supporting the educational and economic contributions of our institutions. 

The president's executive order directs IMLS to eliminate non-statutory programs and reduce personnel to the bare minimum. If these cuts proceed, they could effectively dismantle IMLS, putting funding for history organizations at risk. On the eve of the nation's 250th anniversary, we should be investing in the agencies that support the preservation and sharing of our nation's story, not weakening them. 

What You Can Do Now 

We need to act immediately to tell our elected officials that IMLS is essential to history organizations and the communities they serve. Be as specific as possible when sharing how this executive order would harm your institution and community. Here's how you can help: 

• Call Your Members of Congress – Legislators need to hear from history organizations in their districts. Find their phone numbers and share the impact your institution has on your community and how your work would be undermined by action against IMLS. With Congress on recess this week, it's important to call legislative offices in both D.C. and in your state. You can find and contact your representatives here: www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member. The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) has provided a draft script. 

• Write to Congress – Personalize a template letter from AAM with stories about how IMLS has benefited your organization and your community. 

• Engage Your Supporters – Share this message with your board, volunteers, members, and other stakeholders. Encourage them to reach out to their elected officials and speak up for history organizations. 

• Reach Out to State and Local Officials – Ask them to advocate for IMLS with your state's Congressional delegation. Local voices can have a powerful impact on national decisions. 

Why This Matters 

IMLS provides critical grants that help history museums: 

• Preserve and care for historical collections 

• Expand public access to history through digital resources 

• Fund educational programs that engage students and lifelong learners 

• Strengthen communities by supporting local history organizations 

IMLS funding makes history accessible to millions of Americans. It is a Congressionally authorized agency that has received bipartisan support for years. Now, more than ever, we must remind Congress that history organizations matter.