This bill, titled the African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act , establishes a new museum and educational center at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York, New York. The museum's primary purposes are to serve as a permanent memorial to the enslaved individuals buried there and to other Africans and African Americans who suffered under slavery. It aims to examine African cultural traditions brought to the United States and explore the institution of slavery in depth, providing space for exhibits, artifact collection, and study. The Museum will become associated with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, fostering collaboration on programs, exhibitions, and heritage preservation. The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Administrator of the General Services Administration and an Advisory Council, is directed to acquire property adjacent to or within the National Landmark for the museum's construction. The Federal government will cover two-thirds of the costs for property acquisition, planning, design, and construction, with the acquired property being incorporated into the National Monument. The Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service, will operate the Museum. An African Burial Ground Advisory Council will be established within the Department of the Interior, comprising federal, state, and city officials, along with 14 appointed members. This Council will advise the Secretary on the planning, design, construction, administration, and operation of the Museum, ensuring public input throughout the process. The bill authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and necessary sums thereafter for the Museum's operations and site acquisition. These funds can be used for various activities, including private fundraising, curriculum development, community outreach, establishing an immersive visitor's center, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Museum's facilities and objectives. A Director, appointed by the Secretary with Advisory Council recommendations, will manage the Museum with supporting staff.
African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act
USA119th CongressHR-1568| House
| Updated: 2/25/2025
This bill, titled the African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act , establishes a new museum and educational center at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York, New York. The museum's primary purposes are to serve as a permanent memorial to the enslaved individuals buried there and to other Africans and African Americans who suffered under slavery. It aims to examine African cultural traditions brought to the United States and explore the institution of slavery in depth, providing space for exhibits, artifact collection, and study. The Museum will become associated with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, fostering collaboration on programs, exhibitions, and heritage preservation. The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Administrator of the General Services Administration and an Advisory Council, is directed to acquire property adjacent to or within the National Landmark for the museum's construction. The Federal government will cover two-thirds of the costs for property acquisition, planning, design, and construction, with the acquired property being incorporated into the National Monument. The Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service, will operate the Museum. An African Burial Ground Advisory Council will be established within the Department of the Interior, comprising federal, state, and city officials, along with 14 appointed members. This Council will advise the Secretary on the planning, design, construction, administration, and operation of the Museum, ensuring public input throughout the process. The bill authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and necessary sums thereafter for the Museum's operations and site acquisition. These funds can be used for various activities, including private fundraising, curriculum development, community outreach, establishing an immersive visitor's center, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Museum's facilities and objectives. A Director, appointed by the Secretary with Advisory Council recommendations, will manage the Museum with supporting staff.