MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The threat of federal funding cuts has one of Memphis' biggest attractions taking some proactive steps. The National Civil Rights Museum wants to make sure the resources from one of its important funders don't dry up. So, they're turning to the public for help. A beacon of history, the National Civil Rights Museum has thousands of visitors a year. Leaders want to make sure the lessons there continue to teach generations. Memphis brew named best light beer in America "We want to remind you all that our places are important," said Russ Wigginton, the President of the National Civil Rights Museum. "Our places are places you depend on. Our places are examples of our best day as a society, what it looks [and] feels like to be in community." In the wake of national funding cuts facing museums, the National Civil Rights Museum has joined with others around the country in sending out an urgent letter for community support to keep the Institute of Museum and Library Services intact for education, culture and historical preservation. Institute dollars have provided paid internships to students who may seek museum careers and a new ticket system for guests at the Civil Rights Museum, among other things. "So, we want our visitors to not just see and witness artifacts and stories, but to understand them and to understand their context," Wigginton said. The Civil Rights Museum is encouraging the community to reach out to federal lawmakers and urge them to preserve funding. MLGW tackles billing delays, meter problems "It's money well spent and I would love to see more of this," said museum visitor Taiwo Ajivade. "I would really encourage the government to do more of this. It's really amazing." Wigginton said while there is no specific word yet on whether the Institute will be in the line of fire for cuts, they're being proactive. "Those of us who do this work have to be conscious of the magnitude and speed of change," Wigginton said. "We have to be poised to respond and react." The Institute of Museum and Library Services is among several agencies listed for reduction by the Trump Administration. To see the full letter from the National Civil Rights Museum, click here. ...read more read less