By Tessa Flak, Executive Director
It is with deep disappointment that I share news which affects not only the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, but the broader community that has supported our vision for a new museum space—one that preserves, educates, and celebrates our shared history.
On April 10, 2025, our organization received official notice that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has terminated our federal matching grant in full. The grant, totaling over $576,000, was awarded in support of Phase 3 of our museum project—specifically for the acquisition of museum-grade exhibit cases, construction of an archival room, and transportation of priceless historical artifacts. This grant represented over 20% of our total funding for the exhibitions phase and was instrumental in helping us bring our long-awaited vision to life.
According to IMLS, this termination comes in response to Executive Order 14238, Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, issued by the President on March 14, 2025. This executive order mandates the elimination of all non-statutorily required activities and functions, and as such, the IMLS is repurposing funds and shifting its priorities away from many previously supported initiatives, including ours.
This decision delivers a profound blow to our project at a critical stage. For years, we have worked diligently to plan and fundraise for a museum that reflects our community’s diverse stories and ensures the proper care of our unique artifacts. This grant was not only a significant financial support, but also a symbol of federal confidence in our mission.
Let me be clear: this is a setback, but not the end. Our board, staff, and supporters remain steadfast in our commitment to completing this museum and delivering a cultural resource our community deserves. We are already exploring alternative funding sources and reevaluating our project timeline and scope. However, the gap left by the terminated grant is substantial, and we cannot fill it alone.
We encourage every member of our community who believes in the value of history, education, and economic revitalization to reach out to their congressional representatives and make your voices heard. Let them know how disappointed we are by the loss of this funding, and remind them that this museum is more than just a building—it is a long-term investment in our region’s culture, tourism, education, and economy.
Museums are proven drivers of local economic development. This project is not just about preserving the past—it’s about creating jobs, attracting visitors, and inspiring future generations. The cancellation of this grant is a huge blow to that vision and to the future vitality of our town.
Now, more than ever, we need the support of our community—individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations alike. Your voices, your advocacy, and your generosity will play a vital role in shaping the next chapter of this project.
Let’s not allow this decision to silence the stories we’ve worked so hard to preserve.