The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, a landmark honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s final stand for justice, faces the threat of losing crucial federal funding. The museum, along with others across the nation, faces the threat of federal funding cuts, causing a wave of concern about preserving historical knowledge and cultural heritage for future generations. "We want to remind you all that our places are important," Russ Wigginton, the President of the National Civil Rights Museum, told WREG. "Our places are places you depend on. Our places are examples of our best day as a society, what it looks [and] feels like to be in community."

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that puts the future of The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) — a major funding source for the NCRM — in question. The institution, which predominantly funds museums and libraries through grants, has been pivotal in updating the museum's services and providing paid internships for aspiring museum professionals. In the words of Wigginton, as quoted by Action News 5, "Make them know that you’re not okay with jeopardizing what these organizations mean in respective communities."

The NCRM's call to action has been met with affirmations from visitors and the surrounding community, emphasizing the museum's role in education and historical preservation. According to a statement obtained by FOX13 Memphis, a cut to IMLS funding would "not only affect our institution but also impact tourism, job creation, and education in our region."

The museum has asked its supporters to advocate directly to congressional representatives, to protect the beacon of history that it represents. "It’s money well spent and I would love to see more of this," museum visitor Taiwo Ajivade told WREG. "I would really encourage the government to do more of this. It’s really amazing."

The National Civil Rights Museum is facing uncertainty regarding its future funding, while continuing its efforts to maintain its mission. The issue of funding extends beyond the institution itself, affecting the preservation of collective memory and knowledge. Museum leadership, along with its community, is addressing this challenge as potential federal cuts to programs like IMLS are anticipated. There is a hope among museum leaders and supporters that the federal government will recognize the significance of institutions like the NCRM, where history informs the future.