Dear Friends and Supporters,

The National Civil Rights Museum has been privileged to serve as a center for learning, remembrance, and dialogue about the civil rights movement. Thanks to the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), we have been able to grow our capacity, provide invaluable opportunities for rising museum professionals, and increase diversity in the museum field. We want to take a moment to share how this funding has impacted our institution and our community.

Since 2001, IMLS grants have helped us:

• Expand Professional Development: Funding has allowed our staff to receive specialized training and attend national conferences, ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of museum practice while cultivating diverse leadership within the field.
• Support Future Museum Leaders: Through partnerships with LeMoyne-Owen College and INROADS, we have provided numerous paid internships to local African American students, giving them exposure to museum careers and professional mentorship.
• Improve Visitor Experience: A recent grant enabled us to implement a new ticketing system, making it easier for guests to plan their visits, access museum resources, and enhance their overall experience.
• Increase Access to African American History and Culture: IMLS grants have supported exhibitions and programming that deepen our exploration of civil rights history and its relevance today.

These achievements are possible because of IMLS support, but this funding is currently under threat. The loss of IMLS funding would affect our ability to sustain these programs and continue growing as a vital educational resource for our community.

These investments not only benefit our museum but also contribute to the local economy. Each year, hundreds pf thousands of visitors travel from around the world to experience the NCRM, bringing revenue to Tennessee businesses, hotels, and restaurants. The loss or reduction of IMLS funding would not only affect our institution but also impact tourism, job creation, and education in our region.

We encourage you to join us in advocating for IMLS funding by reaching out to your congressional representatives and sharing your support. Together, we can ensure that the National Civil Rights Museum and many museums and libraries remain beacons of history, education, and inspiration for generations to come. These institutions provide literacy and reading programs for all levels, homework resources and internet access for students, small business support for entrepreneurs, and employment assistance for job seekers, just to name a few of the vital services.

You can learn more about the impact of IMLS in communities across the nation and contact your federal representatives in your area to save IMLS by clicking here to place a virtual call or visiting Congress.gov.

Thank you for standing with us in our mission to preserve and share the story of the civil rights movement.

Sincerely,
Dr. Russ T. Wigginton
Museum President
National Civil Rights Museum