African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Study Act
- Bill Number
- S. 730
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-09: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled the "African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Study Act," directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study assessing the suitability and feasibility of creating a museum and educational center at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City. The proposed facility would honor enslaved Africans buried there and globally, educate on slavery and African cultural traditions, and foster collaborations with other institutions.
Key Provisions
- Study Mandate: The Secretary, through the National Park Service (NPS), must evaluate establishing the "African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center" in consultation with New York State and local historic preservation officers, historical societies, tourism offices, and other relevant groups.
- Museum Objectives:
- Serve as a permanent memorial to enslaved Africans in the U.S. and worldwide.
- Highlight the site's historical significance, African cultural influences, and the global institution of slavery.
- Provide space for exhibits, artifact collection, and research, including DNA analysis of remains to trace African origins.
- Promote partnerships with the National Museum of African American History and Culture (part of the Smithsonian Institution), historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and organizations like the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation for programs, collections management, and training.
- Study Requirements:
- Assess availability of unique collections (e.g., artifacts, DNA samples) related to African traditions and slavery.
- Evaluate opportunities for public understanding of the slave trade, African diaspora, and U.S. history.
- Review stakeholder involvement, including a financial plan outlining roles for federal, state, local, and nonprofit entities.
- Determine the best management entity (e.g., NPS, General Services Administration) and public support for locations, such as 22 Reade Street (adjacent to the monument) or within the monument itself.
- Reporting: Within three years of funding availability, the Secretary must submit a report to Senate and House committees detailing study findings, collection costs, location criteria, construction/operation expenses, and recommendations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces no direct amendments to prior laws but builds on the existing designation of the African Burial Ground as a National Monument (established in 2006 under the Antiquities Act, which protects historic sites). It adds a preparatory step for potential expansion by mandating a feasibility study, which could lead to future legislation for museum establishment if recommendations are positive.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior and NPS would bear the cost and responsibility of conducting the study and potentially managing the museum, including collaborations with the Smithsonian. This could increase federal funding needs for historical preservation.
- Citizens: Enhances public access to education on slavery and African American history through exhibits and programs, potentially fostering greater awareness and reconciliation. Local New York communities may see tourism and economic benefits.
- International Relations: By addressing the global slave trade and African diaspora, it could strengthen cultural ties with African nations through research (e.g., DNA tracing) and international collaborations, promoting U.S. leadership in historical remembrance.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Entities: Secretary of the Interior, NPS, Smithsonian Institution (including its Board of Regents), and General Services Administration.
- State and Local Groups: New York State government, New York City officials, historic preservation officers, historical societies, and tourism offices.
- Nonprofits and Educational Institutions: African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation, HBCUs, other museums, and heritage preservation organizations.
- Public and Communities: Descendants of enslaved Africans, researchers, educators, and the general public interested in U.S. and global history.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill aligns with the NPS Organic Act (1956), which authorizes studies for park expansions and cultural sites. It emphasizes consultation to ensure stakeholder input, reducing risks of legal challenges over site management or funding.
- Constitutional: No direct conflicts; it supports First Amendment values by promoting free expression through education and memorialization, and equal protection by recognizing marginalized histories.
- Political: Advances bipartisan efforts in historical preservation (e.g., similar to the Smithsonian's African American museum). It could spark debates on federal spending for cultural sites but highlights national commitment to confronting slavery's legacy without mandating controversial actions like reparations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Cosponsors (1)
Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-09: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
- 2025-02-25: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-02-25: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Study Act — issued 2025-02-25 — PDF (7 pages)