HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Many of Pennsylvania’s 1,200 museums and historical sites have taken a financial drubbing at the hands of state lawmakers over the past six years.

Funding through various grant programs and direct appropriations, which totaled $29.3 million in fiscal year 2005-06, had declined to $2.7 million by 2011-12. As a result, many museums have laid off staff, cut operating hours and raised admission prices.