The Vermont Historical Society (VHS) announced that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) terminated its federal funding for the Activating 21st Century Local History Training Program, effective April 8. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive order to defund several federal agencies, including IMLS.
In a letter from acting IMLS director Keith Sonderling, the agency stated the grant was “no longer consistent with the agency’s priorities and no longer serves the interest of the United States and the IMLS Program.” The cancellation of the grant leaves approximately $140,000 in funding unrealized and will result in the layoff of the program’s lead staff member.
The now-terminated program was designed to support Vermont’s often volunteer-led local historical societies by offering tools and training to help right-size collections, engage communities, and preserve local history. It featured an online resource center, statewide workshops, and targeted assistance to local partners, including Bixby Memorial Library in Vergennes and historical societies in Brookfield, Sharon, Thetford, and Waterbury. Initially launched in the summer of 2024, the program was set to continue through 2027.
“This move deprives Vermont’s local historical societies of the resources and programming designed to support their operations as the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the country,” the organization said in a statement.
Despite the setback, VHS emphasized its ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing Vermont’s history through its museum in Montpelier, research center in Barre, and education and outreach initiatives across the state.
Founded in 1838, the Vermont Historical Society is dedicated to helping Vermonters understand the past to build stronger communities.
For more information, visit: vermonthistory.org.
