By Ashley Soebroto, Times Union
March 19, 2025
ALBANY — Local history museums are on edge as federal funding cuts target another agency: the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The potential dismantling of the federal agency, which supports libraries and museums nationally, is part of President Donald Trump’s executive order to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. Included in those concerned about these cuts is the Underground Railroad Education Center, a museum in the city’s Arbor Hill neighborhood.
Specifically, funds for the center’s Museum Studies Teen Program — which aims to encourage and teach high school students about working in the museum field, especially students who come from marginalized communities — are at risk, according to Paul Stewart, co-founder of the museum.
