RESTORE Act Aims to Preserve Historic Freedmen's Settlements with $3 Million Annual Funding

The RESTORE Act—or, officially, the "Revitalizing and Empowering Freedom Settlements Through Opportunity, Resilience, and Education Act"—formally acknowledges the historical significance of Freedmen's Settlements (also known as Freedom Colonies) and establishes a program for their preservation. These communities, founded by formerly enslaved African Americans after emancipation, were crucial centers of Black life and self-determination, and this bill aims to make sure they're not forgotten.

Roots of Resilience

The core of the RESTORE Act is the creation of the National Freedom Settlements Preservation Program, run by the National Park Service. This isn't just about putting up plaques; it's about actively identifying, researching, recording, preserving, and interpreting the history of these settlements. Think of it as a dedicated effort to uncover and protect a vital part of American history that's been overlooked for far too long. The bill authorizes $3 million per year from 2026 to 2031 specifically for grants. (Section 309208)

Putting the Funds to Work

This is where things get practical. The bill lays out how the Secretary of the Interior can award grants to a range of groups—from property owners and local governments to community organizations. These grants can be used for things like:

• Identifying Freedom Settlements: Pinpointing where these communities existed, as many were poorly documented or excluded from official maps.

• Preservation and Restoration: Funding the actual work of preserving buildings, cemeteries, and other historical sites.

• Research: Supporting historians and researchers digging into the stories of these communities.

• Education: Developing educational programs to teach people about the history of Freedom Settlements.

• Capacity-Building: Helping local organizations develop the skills and resources to maintain these sites long-term.

  For example, a community group in a town with a known Freedom Settlement could apply for a grant to restore an old schoolhouse or church that served as a center of Black life. Or, a local historical society could get funding to research and document the history of a nearby settlement, collecting oral histories from descendants.

Protecting Property, Building Knowledge

The bill also requires a comprehensive study to identify key Freedom Settlement sites suitable for inclusion in the program (Section 309204). This involves public input and consultation with experts, community leaders, and residents. Plus, there's a registry to keep track of all identified Freedom Settlements (Section 309205). Importantly, the bill includes protections for private property owners: The Secretary of the Interior can't manage or use private land without written consent (Section 309206). This means individuals retain control over their property while still potentially benefiting from preservation efforts.

Who's Steering the Ship?

To guide the study and ensure the program reflects the needs and perspectives of those connected to Freedom Settlements, the bill creates an Advisory Committee (Section 309207). This committee will include residents or descendants of residents, experts in African-American history, and community leaders. It's a way of ensuring that the people most impacted by this history have a direct voice in how it's preserved and presented.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the RESTORE Act is a significant step, it's important to be realistic about potential challenges. Ensuring that the $3 million annual funding is used effectively and reaches the communities that need it most will be crucial. There may be debates about which settlements qualify and how to balance preservation with development. However, the bill's emphasis on community involvement and expert guidance provides a solid framework for addressing these issues. The RESTORE Act directly addresses the findings in Section 2, recognizing the historical injustices faced by these communities and providing concrete mechanisms for redress and preservation.