African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1568
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T21:35:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act (H.R. 1568) aims to create a dedicated museum and educational facility at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City. It seeks to honor the enslaved Africans and African Americans buried there, educate the public on the history of slavery and African cultural contributions to the United States, and foster partnerships for preservation and research. The legislation emphasizes the site's role as a unique historical landmark, building on its status as a National Historic Landmark and National Monument established in prior laws.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of the Museum: Creates the African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center within the National Monument. Its purposes include serving as a living memorial to the enslaved, exploring African traditions brought to the U.S., examining the institution of slavery globally, hosting exhibits and artifact collections, and promoting collaborations with institutions like the National Museum of African American History and Culture (using digital and interactive tools for programs, collections management, and training).
- Site Acquisition and Development: Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (through the National Park Service, or NPS) to acquire property, such as at 22 Reade Street or elsewhere in the National Landmark area, in consultation with the General Services Administration (GSA), an advisory council, and groups like the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation. The federal government covers two-thirds of costs for acquisition, planning, design, and construction. The acquired "expansion property" becomes part of the National Monument.
- Operation and Authorities: The Secretary, via NPS, operates the museum, with powers to acquire, loan, or dispose of artifacts (proceeds reinvested in collections); set policies for programming, education, and research; accept gifts; enter contracts; and manage the site as a National Park System unit under applicable laws. It encourages partnerships with federal, state, local, and private entities.
- Advisory Council: Establishes the African Burial Ground Advisory Council within the Department of the Interior, chaired by the Secretary. It includes ex officio members (e.g., NPS Director, Smithsonian Secretary, GSA Administrator, New York Governor, New York City Mayor) and 14 appointed members (recommended by legacy organizations). Duties include advising on planning, construction, operation, and preservation; ensuring public input; and meeting at least twice yearly (four times initially). Members serve 3-year terms (staggered for initial appointees), with no more than two terms total; they receive travel expenses but no compensation.
- Leadership and Staffing: The Secretary appoints a Director (based on advisory recommendations) to manage the museum. Up to two staff members can be hired without standard civil service rules, with flexible compensation.
- Funding: Authorizes $15 million for fiscal year 2025 and additional sums as needed thereafter, available until spent. Funds support museum operations, private fundraising, educational programs (e.g., curricula, workshops, outreach), a visitor center with interactive exhibits, and long-term sustainability. Separate authorization covers site acquisition costs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the African Burial Ground National Monument by incorporating new "expansion property," integrating it into NPS management under general National Park System laws (e.g., Title 54, U.S. Code).
- Builds on prior designations (e.g., 2006 National Monument by President George W. Bush and 1980s National Historic Landmark status) and related laws like the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act (2003), by creating an associated but distinct museum focused on the burial ground.
- Introduces a new advisory structure and federal cost-sharing model (two-thirds federal), differing from fully federally funded sites, and emphasizes private and local partnerships similar to the National Museum of the American Indian.
- No repeal of existing laws; instead, it enhances interpretation and development without altering core protections for the site.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities for the Department of the Interior and NPS in site management, operations, and education; involves GSA in property dealings and Smithsonian in collaborations. Requires congressional funding oversight and multi-agency coordination, potentially straining budgets but leveraging partnerships to share costs.
- Citizens: Provides educational resources on slavery's history, African heritage, and resilience, benefiting students, descendants of the enslaved, and the public through exhibits, programs, and research (e.g., DNA tracing of remains). Boosts tourism in Lower Manhattan, aiding economic revitalization post-9/11, and promotes community pride and understanding.
- International Relations: Highlights the global slave trade and African roots, potentially attracting international visitors and fostering cultural diplomacy. It positions the U.S. as leader in preserving slavery's legacy, aligning with sites like Goree Island (Senegal) referenced in findings, but has no direct foreign policy mandates.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Department of the Interior/NPS (lead operator), GSA (property support), Smithsonian Institution (partnerships).
- State and Local Entities: New York State and New York City (advisory roles, potential funding contributions).
- Private and Community Groups: African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation and similar organizations (consultation, recommendations); historically Black colleges, historical societies, and educators (collaborations).
- Public and Descendants: Enslaved individuals' descendants, African American communities, and general visitors (beneficiaries of memorial and education).
- Broader Society: Tourists, researchers, and policymakers focused on cultural preservation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces federal authority over historic sites under the Antiquities Act and National Park laws, with clear contracting and acquisition powers to avoid disputes. Emphasizes public input via the advisory council, aligning with administrative law requirements for transparency.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; supports First Amendment values by promoting free expression of history and education. Property acquisitions must respect eminent domain limits (though purchase/lease is prioritized), and partnerships encourage private involvement without violating separation of powers.
- Political: Advances recognition of slavery's role in U.S. history, potentially bridging partisan divides on cultural heritage (supported by bipartisan sponsors). Could influence debates on reparative justice or equity by institutionalizing education on systemic injustices, while stimulating local economic development in urban areas. The bill's referral to the House Committee on Natural Resources underscores its framing as a national park enhancement rather than a purely social policy initiative.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-02-25: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act — issued 2025-02-25 — PDF (19 pages)