A piece by ProPublica criticized the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for promoting grants aimed at fostering an appreciation for America through “uplifting, positive stories.”
While applying for an IMLS grant doesn’t assure funding, the eased emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards from the Biden administration allows new organizations to apply—ones that may have abstained previously due to those requirements.
According to IMLS’s recent cover letter, the agency has been encouraging grant applications designed to nurture “greater appreciation” for America via “positive stories that uplift the common American experience.” This direction reflects a shift from the previous administration’s focus on DEI standards.
The cover letter also references President Trump’s executive order, which sought to “restore truth and sanity to American history,” arguing there has been a concerted effort in recent years to alter the narrative of American history, replacing objective facts with ideologically driven stories.
IMLS further outlines goals for projects that “preserve American history” and contribute to commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence. This includes suggestions to consider Trump’s push for beautiful federal architecture in proposals.
ProPublica, which is funded by organizations like George Soros’s Open Society Foundations, argued that encouraging grant applications focused on positive stories departs from IMLS’s previous nonpartisan approach. They expressed concerns over the acceptance of such grant applications.
In a social media post, ProPublica stated, “The Association of Museum and Library Services welcomes grant applications that foster appreciation for our country ‘through uplifting and positive stories,’ which marks a significant shift from its past apolitical guidelines.”
Crosby Kemper III, the former IMLS director, remarked to ProPublica that it seems the current administration aims for a “whitewashed” narrative, calling this problematic. Giovanna Urist, who held a senior position at IMLS during Biden’s term, described the new guidelines as “appalling,” while Kemper labeled them “terrifying.”
Rick Manning, IMLS’s chief strategist, clarified to Breitbart News that the institution aims to guide museums and libraries back to their primary mission of public service, stating that some on the left wish to promote “historical revisionism.”
Manning asserted, “Under President Trump’s leadership, IMLS and all of America’s cultural institutions are being revitalized. We are focusing on serving the American public and preserving history for future generations.” He stressed the importance of a comprehensive view of American history, especially in this 250th anniversary year, contrasting this with those who seem fixated on the darker aspects of our past.
A recent grant awarded by IMLS included support for Freedom 250, which created a mobile museum called the Freedom Truck. This project aims to educate Americans about their independence, particularly focusing on the events of 1776.
“For 250 years, America has served as a symbol of freedom and hope,” said Rachel Reisner from Freedom 250, emphasizing their mission to honor this legacy while looking forward to the future.
“Through significant events, Freedom 250 is igniting a movement that showcases the American spirit,” Reisner added, expressing confidence that America’s best days are still ahead.
In a commentary earlier this month, Keith Sonderling highlighted left-leaning attempts to revise American history while discussing the Freedom Truck initiative. He lamented how cultural institutions have diverted from their core missions, urging a return to celebrating the American narrative.
He added that under the prior administration, IMLS often presented American history through a distorted lens, focusing on less privileged narratives instead of the broader story.
