By Jessica Gorman

I started writing a completely different article, scrapped it, started over. Tuesday evening, I learned of the closing of the California Historical Society. A historical organization that has existed for 153 years is gone. They tried to save it. They failed. It’s not their fault. Its extensive collection will now be housed at Stanford University.

Did you know that museums and historical organizations everywhere are facing this same challenge? They are doing everything in their power just to survive. You know what else they are doing? They are adapting, employing new technology, finding innovative ways to share information, and they are always looking for ways to do more with less. They continue their commitment to the work despite the uncertainty that they’ll have the resources available to do it. They are understaffed and underfunded and yet they keep pushing forward.

In addition to my position as executive director of the museum, I also serve on the board of directors for the North Louisiana Historical Association. I know people involved with other local historical organizations. We all seem to share the same concerns and the same frustrations. We’re not sure what the future holds. We only know that we must do what we can.

The question has been asked if the museum is in a crisis situation. The answer is no, but the work to keep it funded never ends. The bills will always have to be paid. To be honest, right now, I’m feeling optimistic, maybe cautiously optimistic, but optimistic, nonetheless. I’m proud of what has been accomplished and look forward to new opportunities. At the same time, I see the trend. I know where we’re at. I’m acutely aware of the challenges we face and know we must meet them head on with real solutions.

So, what is the key to easing the uncertainty? You are. You are the determining factor. Museums and historical organizations need the financial support of the communities they serve. It’s that easy and that challenging, because it is completely out of our control. We can do the work, do it well, but we can’t make you want to support us. That’s your decision. In the end, the future of the museum is up to you.

Again, I’m feeling optimistic. There are opportunities I’m working to pursue and I hope you’ll join us in securing the future of preserving our shared history.

(Jessica Gorman is the Executive Director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Webster Parish Historian, and an avid genealogist.)