The search for funds for starting a museum archives program could
start with the National Historic Publications and Records Commission
 (NHPRC).  It has been several years since I was in touch with them,
but I sometimes see their contact information in Aviso. I have also
been among the beneficiaries of money from companies that appear
extensively in the archives.  Does your museum have a Kress
collection?  If so, your people already have the address and a
contact for the Kress Foundation, and if not, I would not expect
their support.  You need a special type of funder for this type
of project.  I have been told by several development officers that
this is a hard sell, which I believe, but sources are out there.