Canterbury Shaker Village National Heritage Area Study Authorization Act
- Bill Number
- S. 2801
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-15: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to study whether the Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire should be designated as a National Heritage Area. The goal is to evaluate the site's historical significance and determine if federal recognition as a heritage area is suitable and feasible.
Key Provisions
- The bill is titled the "Canterbury Shaker Village National Heritage Area Study Authorization Act."
- It includes detailed findings on the village's history, established in 1792, its role in the Shaker movement (a communal, celibate religious group known for equality, pacifism, and inventions), its status as a National Historic Landmark since 1992, and its current features (approximately 700 acres, 25 buildings, and archaeological resources).
- The Secretary must consult with state and local historic preservation officers, historical societies, tourism offices, and other relevant groups.
- The study must follow existing procedures in section 120103(a) of title 54, United States Code.
- The study area is limited to the geographic boundaries of the existing National Historic Landmark in Merrimack County, New Hampshire.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces no major alterations to current statutes. It adds a specific, one-time study requirement for this site under the existing National Heritage Area study framework, without modifying broader designation processes or funding mechanisms.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Requires the Department of the Interior to allocate resources for the study, potentially involving the National Park Service.
- Citizens: Could raise awareness of local history and support preservation or tourism if the area is later designated, benefiting residents near the site.
- International relations: None identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Local and state officials in New Hampshire, including historic preservation officers and tourism offices.
- Historical societies and nonprofit organizations connected to Canterbury Shaker Village, Inc.
- Residents and visitors interested in Shaker history and cultural heritage sites.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure is limited to a feasibility study and carries no immediate legal obligations or constitutional concerns. It aligns with standard federal heritage preservation authority and reflects bipartisan sponsorship, with no evident political controversies or broad policy shifts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-15: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-09-15: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Canterbury Shaker Village National Heritage Area Study Authorization Act — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (5 pages)