This bill, titled the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., National Historic Site Act , establishes a new unit of the National Park System in Georgia. The purpose of this National Historic Site is to preserve, protect, and interpret the historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church, where Dr. Abernathy served as pastor, and to highlight his significant role as an internationally recognized civil rights leader. The site's establishment is contingent upon the Secretary of the Interior determining that a sufficient quantity of land and interests in land have been acquired to form a manageable unit. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to acquire land and interests within the designated boundary through donation, purchase from willing sellers, or exchange, though land owned by the State of Georgia or its subdivisions can only be acquired by donation. The Historic Site will be administered in accordance with general National Park System laws, and the Secretary must complete a management plan within three years of initial funding. Additionally, the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with other entities to facilitate interpretive services, administrative support, and the preservation of historic and cultural resources.
GeorgiaHistoric sites and heritage areasParks, recreation areas, trailsProtest and dissentRacial and ethnic relationsU.S. history
Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., National Historic Site Act
USA119th CongressS-2102| Senate
| Updated: 3/4/2026
This bill, titled the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., National Historic Site Act , establishes a new unit of the National Park System in Georgia. The purpose of this National Historic Site is to preserve, protect, and interpret the historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church, where Dr. Abernathy served as pastor, and to highlight his significant role as an internationally recognized civil rights leader. The site's establishment is contingent upon the Secretary of the Interior determining that a sufficient quantity of land and interests in land have been acquired to form a manageable unit. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to acquire land and interests within the designated boundary through donation, purchase from willing sellers, or exchange, though land owned by the State of Georgia or its subdivisions can only be acquired by donation. The Historic Site will be administered in accordance with general National Park System laws, and the Secretary must complete a management plan within three years of initial funding. Additionally, the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with other entities to facilitate interpretive services, administrative support, and the preservation of historic and cultural resources.