Article Summary –
The Trump administration has terminated funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), affecting cultural organizations across Pennsylvania and the country, including LancasterHistory, which will lose about $50,000 intended for an educator position at the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy. This move is part of broader budget cuts by the administration to fund tax cuts for the wealthy and mass deportation plans, with the NEH cutting 85% of its programs, impacting libraries, museums, schools, and cultural initiatives that support Pennsylvania’s economy. The communication regarding these cuts has been unclear, adding to the uncertainty for organizations relying on NEH support, as expressed by leaders like Robin Sarratt and Walter Biggins, who anticipate significant challenges for the cultural sector amidst a shaky economy and upcoming tariffs.
An email landed in LancasterHistory’s inbox, echoing an unwelcome message to cultural groups across Pennsylvania and the nation: The Trump administration is cutting National Endowment for the Humanities grants. LancasterHistory, a nonprofit managing a museum, President James Buchanan’s home, and more, was poised to lose $50,000 intended for an educator role.
“It’s incredibly disappointing to have those funds assured and then pulled by the federal government,” said Robin Sarratt, President and CEO of LancasterHistory.
Following funding cuts for Pennsylvania farmers, national parks, health care, and education, the administration now targets the NEH, which since 1965 has funded museums, libraries, and cultural institutions nationally.
The cuts assist funding Trump’s tax cuts and deportations.
Sarratt noted that their nonprofit may miss the last 10% of a $500,000 grant.
The educator position impacted was for the upcoming Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy. This center, opening in 2026, will highlight Thaddeus Stevens, a Lancaster congressman who fought for constitutional changes to end slavery and secure Black men’s right to vote. Lydia Hamilton Smith, an abolitionist, will also be featured. The museum will cover the Civil War, Reconstruction, civil rights, and Lancaster County’s role in the Underground Railroad.
“Telling the stories of Thaddeus Stevens, Lydia Hamilton Smith, and their abolitionist network is paramount,” Sarratt emphasized. “These narratives of enslaved individuals finding freedom through Lancaster County are vital.”
‘Our economy will also be deeply impacted’
The New York Times reported that the NEH is canceling nearly 85% of its grant programs, and placing many staff on leave.
This could devastate Pennsylvania’s libraries, museums, and student programs, according to PA Humanities, which stated that the administration ended its general operating grant. This move threatens the 250th Independence anniversary, community-building initiatives, and youth programs.
“PA Humanities will be directly affected,” the group noted. “Federal funding generates a $30.4 billion annual impact and provides 189,700 jobs.”
Walter Biggins of the University of Pennsylvania Press highlighted that three authors losing $5,000 NEH grants might not release their books as open-access.
“Fifteen thousand dollars is small but impactful for these books,” Biggins stated.
Sarratt and Biggins expressed frustration and confusion over the NEH grant termination communication. Penn authors, for instance, have not been officially informed of their withdrawn grants.
“The communication has been inefficient and unclear,” Biggins observed. “We have yet to receive official confirmation that grants are terminated, leaving us on edge.”
‘The tariffs are very frightening’
The NEH cuts are part of Trump’s ongoing efforts against cultural funding. In March, an executive order gutted the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
This, alongside a shaky economy, reduced consumer spending, and potential global recession due to tariff uncertainty, creates fear for arts groups, said Carrie Wissler-Thomas, President of the Art Association of Harrisburg.
Although her organization doesn’t get NEH funds, she worries about federal hostility combined with economic weakness impacting cultural institutions.
“The uncertainty is frightening,” Wissler-Thomas remarked. “Arts are crucial to our lives, providing light in dark times. People might turn more to arts for solace.”
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