I received the April 2025 monthly e-blast from the Underground Railroad Education Center in Albany, an entity I have supported financially. It was uncharacteristically dire. The message said, “Thank you for your support! Please share.” So I shared.
Donate to UREC now while you still can. Write to your Legislators
ITEM: The Museum Studies Teen Program is designed to prepare high school students to seek employment in the museum field. The Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding, an open grant supporting Lacey Wilson’s Project Director position for the Museum Studies Teen Program, has been negatively impacted. On 3/31/25, IMLS was forced to place 85% of its staff on administrative leave and cancel all open grants.
(Not incidentally, the IMLS may be affecting the New York State Library, and museums and libraries across the United States.)
ITEM: UREC is in the process of building an Interpretive Center. However, funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been imperiled.
The NEH, which awarded the Interpretive Center a $250,000 grant, has been negatively impacted. NEH had 80% of its staff put on indefinite administrative leave, and all open grants were canceled.
The EPA, which awarded UREC $3.6 million toward the Interpretive Center as part of an 8-group collaborative that received an award of $20,000,000, has had its funds frozen.
Write!
Use this link – https://www.congressweb.com/
The Underground Railroad Education Center receives funding from IMLS to support the planning and implementation of a Museum Studies Teen Program, which is designed to prepare high school students to seek employment in the museum field. This program introduces students to the vast array of job possibilities within the museum field and the value of museums to the health, well-being, and financial sustainability of our communities. As a workforce development program, it will support the development of “hard skills” relevant to specific jobs in the museum field and “soft skills” such as a strong work ethic and positive attitude, which are crucial for success in any workplace.
Likewise, the Underground Railroad Education Center has an open grant with NEH for $250,000 to support the building of a community center highlighting community history and culture. This center will provide jobs for community residents, transform educational experiences, and attract thousands of visitors. IMLS and the NEH must honor their commitments to support the life-changing educational programming offered by the Underground Railroad Education Center.
IMLS and the NEH must honor their commitments to support the Underground Railroad Education Center’s life-changing educational programming.
Occasionally, I would plug items for organizations that I was fond of/involved with on these pages. Then I cut back because they tended to be Albany-based organizations. Most of the readers of this blog are not from around here.
The 8th annual Literary Legends Gala will be held on October 16th at the Pine Hills Branch APL.2021 Literary Legends Tickets on sale NOW. Support the Friends and Foundation of the Albany Public Library and join us as we celebrate this year’s