Preserving our Past: The Importance of NEH Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections

Introduction

Every civilization has left behind valuable cultural heritage assets that allow us to study the origins of humankind and the evolution of society. Archaeological sites, museums, libraries, and archives contain thousands of objects, artifacts, and documents that are invaluable assets for current and future generations. However, preserving these collections requires complex and expensive processes that often exceed the budget of cultural institutions. That’s where the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) comes in. In this blog article, we will explore the importance of NEH in sustaining cultural heritage collections and its impact on society.

NEH and Cultural Heritage Collections

Since its creation in 1965, NEH has played a crucial role in protecting and preserving cultural heritage collections. Its grant programs support institutions and organizations in their efforts to safeguard valuable assets and provide access to them. NEH’s Division of Preservation and Access has several programs that fund the preservation of historical, cultural, and scientific collections. For example, the Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions program provides support to small and medium-sized institutions to preserve their collections. The program funds activities such as collection assessments, consultations with preservation professionals, and purchase of equipment for preservation purposes.

The Importance of Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections

Preserving cultural heritage collections is essential for various reasons. First and foremost, it acts as an educational resource that helps in teaching and learning. These collections provide a historical perspective on culture, arts, and society. Second, cultural heritage collections represent a repository of intellectual knowledge that can contribute to research and scholarship. They serve as the primary sources of information, which can be used to reconstruct the history of civilization and its many dimensions. Third, cultural heritage collections also play an essential role in economic development. Museums, libraries, and archives attract tourists, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy.

Examples of NEH-funded Cultural Heritage Preservation Projects

NEH’s funding has played a pivotal role in supporting cultural heritage preservation projects across the United States. Here are some examples:

• The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park received funds from NEH to preserve the historic vessels in the collection and make them accessible to the public.
• The Oklahoma Historical Society received funding to preserve and digitize the American Indian manuscripts from the Thomas Gilcrease Library and Archive.
• The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis received funding for the preservation of photographs, audio recordings, and documents related to the Civil Rights Movement.

Conclusion

Preserving cultural heritage collections is vital to protect the legacy of our ancestors and promote knowledge and understanding of our past. NEH’s contribution to this field is significant and has helped institutions and organizations across America to protect and maintain their collections. By supporting cultural heritage preservation projects, NEH ensures that future generations have access to these invaluable resources and can continue to explore and learn from them.