On April 29, 2025, museums and sites in West Virginia were notified that the AmeriCorps program administered by the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia was among several programs cut in the state. AmeriCorps members that were stationed at their sites were to stop serving as of April 30, 2025, impacting the operations at those sites. We are deeply disappointed to learn of the cuts to the AmeriCorps Program by DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). AmeriCorps Programs in West Virginia that were cut include the following (includes all cuts not just to our members): High Rocks (69 Members) Grow Ohio Valley (13 Members) Tygart Valley United Way (22 Members) City of Weston (19 Members) Preservation Alliance of WV (25 Members, and the organization that manages our volunteers) WomenCare FamilyCare (5 Members) WV Food and Farm Coalition - Planning the Grant now stopped United Way of Central WV (15 Members) WV Youth Promise Alliance (41 Members) Totaling over 200 West Virginia positions cut. AmeriCorps members have been an essential component of our museum and historical sites for the last 12 years. With this cut it will become harder for us to offer the programs and events that you enjoy the most. It will also take away from those AmeriCorps members the opportunity to earn and learn in a position in their fields. Please remember that most of our organizations work on a limited budget and replacements for the AmeriCorps members are not going to be easy to find. We view these cuts in addition to the cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the defunding of Humanities Councils in all 50 States as an attack on our institutions. We will not be deterred in our commitment to do our best to sustain and fight to continue to offer the history and voices of West Virginia. Please reach out to your Congressional Representation to voice your opinions over this matter and ask that the AmeriCorps programs do not get cut. The impact to the entirety of the Mountain State will be felt if we lose access to this vital program. (fb)

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