The hearing was opened by Representative Pat Williams of Montana, who explained that the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education of which he is chairman, has jurisdiction over the National Endowments for Arts and Humanities and the Institute of Museum Services (IMS), and that programs in these agencies account for the largest portion of federal funds that assist museums in the United States. The Subcommittee, which was especially interested in access to federal resources for rural and small museums, heard testimony from six Montana residents. Wes Hardin, director of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, pointed out that federal dollars spent in Montana are often used to leverage in funds from other sources and commented on two proposed IMS-funded projects that would benefit all of Montana's museums, most of which are small. Margaret C. Kingsland, executive director of the Montana Committee for the Humanities, presented observations on the work of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the efficacy of its museum-related programming, commented on conditions in rural states and their museums, and offered suggestions for improving services to museums. David E. Nelson, executive director of the Montana Arts Council, discussed some of Montana's funding programs for the arts and museums. Michael W. Hager, former director of the Museum of the Rockies, and Donna Forbes, director of the Yellowstone Art Center offered testimony on the funding of those two institutions. Bruce Ennis, president of the board of trustees of the Montana Historical Society, spoke of the importance of federal funds to that organization. Prepared statements, letters and other supplemental materials submitted by all of these witnesses are included. (JB)