Federal Grant Award Summary

Texas Southern University's University Museum received $878,222 through a Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program (CFDA 45.309), effective September 1, 2026, through September 30, 2028. The award supports the museum's transition of the HBCU (Historically Black College and University) History and Culture Access Consortium (HCAC) initiative from pilot phase into a permanent alliance, with deliverables including preparation of museum facilities to host the HCAC traveling exhibition, enhanced digital exhibitions and storytelling tools on the HCAC website, production of a book publication on the museum's collection, archival processing of recently digitized photographs, and continued digitization of works on paper and paintings.

The project sustains three dedicated positions—a Digital Humanities Program Manager, Graduate Fellow, and Undergraduate Intern—to ensure ongoing digitization work, proper management of digital assets, development of early-career professionals, and publication of public-facing digital exhibits and storytelling resources. Expected outcomes include improved museum sustainability, increased public access to collections, and expanded professional development opportunities for early-career museum professionals and undergraduate students participating in the digitization and curatorial work.