1. United States
2. S.C.
3. Letter

The International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, South Carolina, is implementing temporary, staggered 20-day furloughs for its entire staff between July 1 and December 31, 2026. The museum cited a $1 million operational shortfall and a shifting funding environment, which includes cuts in federal grants, state funding, and corporate donations. The IAAM is located on Gadsden's Wharf—one of the most historically sacred sites in the United States, as it was the primary disembarkation point for nearly half of all enslaved Africans brought to North America. The museum explores the unvarnished history, culture, and impact of the African American journey, spanning from the transatlantic slave trade to modern-day achievements. This is critical to understanding the history of our nation and the lives of so many of America's ancestors. Please find money in the SC stae budget to fund the IAAM and advocate in DC for restored federal funding.