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Benton County Historical Society warns federal funding cuts are squeezing local museums
Summary
Jessica Haugen, executive director, told Philomath council that cuts and staffing reductions at federal agencies supporting museums and libraries are increasing competition for state and local grants and could force local nonprofits to reduce programs without more county or private support.
Philomath — Jessica Haugen, executive director of the Benton County Historical Society, told the City Council on April 14 that changes at federal agencies are producing immediate funding and programmatic consequences for museums and libraries.
Haugen said the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has effectively paused staff and grant programs and the National Endowment for the Humanities has reduced staff by about 80% and paused programs. "The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the only federal agency that specifically supports museums and libraries. It has effectively been shut down," Haugen said.
She described the historical society’s budget — roughly $937,000 this fiscal year — and its reliance on county levy support and endowment interest. Haugen said federal grant pauses will shift greater demand to state, regional and private funders and could force smaller organizations to close or scale back services. She urged the council to be aware local nonprofits may need more support and to consider the potential county funding implications.
Councilors thanked Haugen and noted recent Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) support to the society. Haugen said the society is working with partners to share space and services with other nonprofits and is exploring exhibitions at the Philomath Museum as road construction has wound down.
The presentation did not include a request for immediate city funding, but Haugen requested that the council consider the sector’s tightening funding environment when the city evaluates priorities and grant allocations.
