Preserving heritage, expanding access to knowledge, and inviting the public into the work of cultural stewardship.
The Foundation advances its mission through five core program areas that work together to preserve historical and cultural materials, support education and scholarship, build meaningful partnerships, engage communities, and develop innovative approaches to heritage stewardship.
Preservation & Archives
Safeguarding historical and cultural materials.
The Preservation & Archives program safeguards historical, cultural, and artistic materials through conservation, digitization, and responsible stewardship. Working with archives, museums, and collections, the Foundation supports projects that stabilize fragile materials, build digital access, document provenance, and make primary sources more discoverable for researchers, students, and the public.
Education & Scholarship
Learning, research, and public understanding.
The Education & Scholarship program offers workshops, public lectures, fellowships, and training in cultural preservation, archival practice, and digital humanities. By collaborating with schools, universities, and heritage institutions, the Foundation expands opportunities for learning, supports emerging scholars and practitioners, and creates pathways for lifelong engagement with history and culture.
Cultural Programs & Partnerships
Building understanding through shared heritage.
The Cultural Programs & Partnerships initiative develops exhibitions, exchanges, and collaborations that strengthen mutual understanding through shared heritage. Through partnerships with cultural institutions in the United States and abroad, the Foundation supports programs that highlight diverse histories, encourage dialogue, and promote peace-building and concord through culture.
Community Engagement
Inviting the public into heritage stewardship.
The Community Engagement program supports civic participation in heritage stewardship. Volunteers in the Foundation’s Service Corps assist with research, events, outreach, and intergenerational activities that connect younger and older community members. These efforts foster a sense of shared responsibility for cultural memory and create welcoming entry points for people of all backgrounds to take part.
Innovation & Research
Applying new tools to preservation and access.
The Innovation & Research program applies new technologies and scholarly methods to preservation, access, and data integrity. Projects may include digital humanities initiatives, tools for authenticating and describing cultural materials, and sustainable approaches to long-term care of collections. By combining science, design, and ethics, the Foundation helps build more resilient and equitable cultural systems.
All program activities are carried out to advance the Foundation’s charitable and educational purposes for public benefit.