More than 200 museums and historic parks across Kansas and Missouri are currently at risk due to significant budget reductions.
The root cause lies in Congress’s delay in releasing federal funding for the country’s 62 National Heritage Areas (NHAs).
One of the most affected is Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, which spans hundreds of culturally and historically significant locations in both states.
Freedom’s Frontier at Risk of Closure
The situation is particularly dire for Freedom’s Frontier. According to Johnny Szlauderbach, the organization’s Director of Communications, the NHA has relied on federal support for nearly four decades. However, for the first time in 40 years, it may receive no federal funds in 2025.
Szlauderbach warned that if funding is not allocated soon, Freedom’s Frontier could face shutdown, resulting in widespread consequences.
The loss would trickle down to smaller, local sites—many of which depend on the NHA for staffing, educational programs, and operational support.
Smaller Rural Sites Most Vulnerable
Szlauderbach emphasized that the small rural and volunteer-run sites will be the most affected by the funding lapse.
These are family-run operations that operate with minimal budgets and are often driven by personal passion rather than profit.
“The hardest hit sites are going to be the small rural sites, the ones that are passion projects, that are volunteer run, that don’t have outside funding or a large budget,” he explained. “These are family operations that do this out of a true love for what they do.”
Loss of Half-Million Dollar Support
Freedom’s Frontier typically receives $500,000 annually in federal funding—a critical sum used to sustain not only its own operations but also to assist its network of affiliate sites.
The delay in federal appropriations for National Heritage Areas is already creating instability for many historical and cultural institutions in Kansas and Missouri.
Without urgent action from Congress, Freedom’s Frontier and its affiliated local museums could be forced to cut programs, reduce staff, or even close entirely—putting the preservation of regional heritage at risk.