The International African American Museum in Charleston, which opened just last year, has had to resort to furloughing all its staff due to financial strain. The museum cited political and funding shifts as it aims to restructure its fundraising efforts without laying off anyone.

Museum President Tonya Matthews explained that the institution is operating at a deficit and has lost some federal funding. Despite this, she assured that keeping the team together would support them during tough times.

The IAAM occupies a site of historical significance—Gadsden's Wharf, where over 100,000 enslaved Africans first arrived in America. The museum features rotating exhibitions and permanent displays highlighting regional Black history, including the stories of Carolina Gold rice plantations and Gullah Geechee culture.

These furloughs are part of a broader trend facing cultural institutions across the US. A 2025 survey found that over half of museums have had their federal grants cut, with few replacements from other sources.