ADVOCACY ALERT

Fellow Massachusetts History Lovers, 

As you read this, the Massachusetts legislature is negotiating a budget for state arts funding for next year. Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee proposed $18.1  million of funding the Massachusetts Cultural Council and this week the Senate Ways and Means Committee is considering appropriating this same amount.

In addition to promoting the Arts, the Mass Cultural Council supports public history activities across the state, including local cultural council funding for programs and Cultural Districts that offer incentives for historic preservation. It also provides funding for Mass Humanities earmarked for Massachusetts history. Both of these vital organizations support public and local history efforts that directly contribute to the betterment of our communities. 

Unfortunately, Governor Baker’s budget proposal calls for a $2 million cut in funding for the MCC. 

The State’s history community is struggling to survive and budget cuts for this sector would be devastating. The MHA urges you to join our friends at MassCreative and other arts and humanities advocates, to make your voice heard. Right now is a good time to thank your legislator and encourage your senator.

This online tool will help you create an email and send it to your legislators.

If you want, you can edit the letters to reflect your interest in public history.

Thank you!

— Eric Peterson for MHA