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Historical Society asks legislature for $1.5 million to expand education and public programs
Summary
The Historical Society requested $1.5 million in state support over 2027–2029 to sustain K–12 programming, publications, adult programs and universal free access built during the 250th commemoration. The group said 20% would go to education and other funds would support publications and statewide outreach.
Elizabeth Chiu, chief executive officer of the Historical Society, urged the budget subcommittee to approve $1,500,000 in state funding spread across 2027–2029 to sustain programs developed during the 250th commemoration. "We are here to respectfully request $1,500,000 in state funding over 3 years between 2027 and 2029," Chiu said, laying out four spending categories: K–12 programs, printed and digital publications, adult programming, and making all offerings free to the public.
Chiu told lawmakers the Society has partnered with local organizations across 46 counties and would use roughly 20% of the requested funds for school-based activities tied to state standards, 25% for publications, about 35% for high-quality adult programming, and the remainder to ensure public access. She said the Society will use facsimiles of archival documents and classroom kits to help teachers and students engage with state history.
Committee members asked whether the Society’s request would duplicate a separate special commission coordinating statewide 250th events. Chiu said the Society is already working with that commission and characterized the group’s value as archival expertise and statewide distribution capacity. Representative Weeks and others pressed for clearer coordination and for specifics about year‑by‑year allocations; Chiu described the plan as approximately $500,000 per year with the percentages noted above.
The presenters left committee staff contact information and the panel asked the Society to provide any supplemental material requested by staff. No formal action or vote was taken during the hearing.
