RESTORE Act

This bill, known as the RESTORE Act , establishes the National Freedom Settlements Preservation Program within the National Park Service. Its purpose is to identify, preserve, and commemorate historical Freedom Settlements, also known as Freedmen's Settlements or Black Towns, which were established by formerly enslaved African Americans after the Civil War as centers of self-sufficiency and resilience. The program authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award grants for the identification, cultural and heritage preservation, restoration, and documentation of these settlements. Grants will also support capacity-building and educational programming, with eligible entities including property owners, governments, and community organizations. An annual appropriation of $3,000,000 is authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 to fund these initiatives. Key provisions include a mandate for the Secretary to conduct a Freedom Settlements Study to identify suitable sites and to maintain a comprehensive registry of verified settlements. A Freedom Settlements Advisory Committee will be established, comprising residents, descendants, and experts, to assist with the study and ensure community involvement. The legislation aims to honor the legacy of self-determination and community-building these settlements represent, addressing historical inequities and promoting a more complete understanding of American history. It ensures private property rights are protected by requiring owner consent for program inclusion.