Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter Poised to Become National Historical Park Under New Bill

This legislation lays the groundwork to establish the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park in New York, officially recognizing it as a unit within the National Park System. The core mission, outlined in Section 3, is straightforward: preserve the site and interpret the significant, often overlooked, story of the 982 predominantly Jewish refugees housed there between August 1944 and February 1946 – the only group of its kind brought to the U.S. during World War II.

Setting Up Shop: How the Park Gets Made

Before the park officially opens its gates, a couple of key steps need to happen, as detailed in Section 3. First, the Secretary of the Interior has to acquire enough land within the proposed boundary (defined by a specific map referenced in Section 2: "Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Proposed Boundary," number 962194,681, dated September 2024) to make the park viable for management. This land can come through donations, purchases using specific funds, or land exchanges. Importantly, any land currently owned by New York State or its local governments can only be acquired via donation. Once the Secretary determines enough land is secured, a notice will be published in the Federal Register, officially establishing the park.

Beyond Preservation: Bringing History to Life

The bill doesn't just aim to protect the physical site; it emphasizes sharing its history. Section 3 authorizes the Secretary to manage the park according to standard National Park System laws but also allows for flexibility through cooperative agreements. This means the National Park Service can team up with New York State or other organizations – think historical societies, educational institutions, or community groups – to develop and deliver interpretive programs. These partnerships could even extend to identifying, interpreting, and restoring related historical resources on nearby non-Federal land, provided there's reasonable public access. This opens the door for a broader storytelling effort connected to the site.

Blueprint for the Future

Looking ahead, the bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive general management plan for the park. As per Section 3, this plan must be completed within three fiscal years after funding becomes available for it. This planning process requires consultation with the State of New York, ensuring local input shapes the long-term vision for how the park operates, protects its resources, and serves the public.