Maryland African American Museum budget steady as private revenue masks projected deficit; audit flags collections controls

The Maryland African American Museum Corporation (MAAMC), which operates the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, will see its fiscal 2027 budget rise to $6.2 million, but the increase is driven by privately raised revenue and leaves the state grant level at $2.7 million, a Department of Legislative Services analyst told a legislative subcommittee.

"The fiscal 2027 budget for MAAMC increases by $284,955 or 4.9% to $6,200,000," Connor Brown, policy analyst, said during the budget hearing, adding that the rise ‘‘comes from privately raised revenue’’ while state support is unchanged.

The analyst’s presentation highlighted a projected deficit pattern: MAAMC posted a fiscal 2025 deficit, expects relatively even revenues and expenditures in fiscal 2026, and projects another deficit in fiscal 2027. DLS identified contractual services as a primary driver of the projected FY27 deficit, noting a decrease in temporary exhibit openings in FY26 followed by capitalized permanent exhibit expenses.

Museum leadership told the committee they are taking steps to reduce costs and stabilize revenues. "The Lewis remains committed to its mission to document, interpret and preserve the experiences, contributions, and culture of Black Marylanders," Terry Lee Freeman, MAAMC executive director, said. Freeman said the museum is using organizational restructuring, continued attrition and energy-efficiency upgrades supported by a capital grant to control long-term utility costs while aiming not to reduce community programming.

Attendance and philanthropic support helped revenue in FY25: DLS noted in-person and virtual attendance rose nearly 30% from FY24 to FY25, and an exhibit-driven fundraising boost tied to the museum’s 20th anniversary produced a large increase in donors and contributions. At the same time, volunteer numbers fell from about 100 in FY24 to 71 in FY25, which the museum attributes to fewer corporate volunteer groups.

The OLA fiscal compliance audit published in August 2025 identified eight findings for MAAMC, including a repeat finding that the museum had not established adequate accountability and controls over its art and historical artifacts. MAAMC has reported it has made progress on or completed six of the eight recommendations and is working on the collections inventory and valuation that were cited as repeat issues.

DLS said it "concurs with the governor’s fiscal 2027 allowance" but asked MAAMC to discuss reasons for the fiscal 2025 deficit and plans to reduce the projected FY27 shortfall. Freeman told the committee the museum has hired staff and interns to advance the collections inventory and has strengthened internal controls, including separating duties for special events and financial processes.

The hearing concluded with committee members thanking museum staff for outreach and stewardship work; no formal action was taken during the session.