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'The second we get it, it's already gone' | How the Charlotte Museum of History is impacted by the city budget

Terri White, president and CEO of the museum, said they're thankful for the $100,000, but it's not enough to cover more than general operating costs.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A piece of Charlotte history is set to open at the Charlotte Museum of History this weekend, as the eight-year effort to restore the Siloam School is finally complete. But the excitement comes amid ongoing funding concerns at the Charlotte Museum of History, as museum leaders are having to make some tough cuts to stay afloat.

RELATED: Historic Siloam School opens at the Charlotte Museum of History this weekend

Terri White, president and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History, said what the museum is getting from the city is only 15% of what they asked for. Several museum programs have already been cut. 

Earlier in the week, Charlotte City Council voted on the 2025 fiscal year budget, and ultimately allocated $100,000 for the Charlotte Museum of History. White said the museum requested $650,000 --about 25% to 40% of their revenue -- based on what she said other museums in the city have received.

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The museum does get a portion of its funding from corporate sponsors, memberships and donations, but ahead of the city budget vote, they had been pleading for equitable funding. 

White said they're thankful for the $100,000, but it's not enough to cover more than general operating costs.

"I can tell you the second we get it, it's already gone," White said, estimating the museum's running rate each month with the absence of big events would be $80,000 to $90,000. "If you count special projects or programs or things the community expects their museums to do, it can easily exceed six figures just in a month."

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White said the museum has had to cancel programs about six months out, including programs for children. Because of the low funding, she said the museum will have to rely on more grants and sponsorships, and will be adjusting their fundraising strategies.

Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

    

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