Designates the America's National Churchill Museum, including the Winston Churchill Memorial, as a National Historic Landmark and requires a special resource study to evaluate its potential inclusion in the National Park System.
Robert Onder
Representative
MO-3
The "America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act" designates the America's National Churchill Museum as a National Historic Landmark, allowing the Secretary of the Interior to form cooperative agreements for its protection and educational programs. It also directs the Secretary to conduct a special resource study to evaluate the site's national significance and the feasibility of including it in the National Park System, with a report to Congress due within three years of funding. This designation does not affect existing property rights or the administration of the Landmark by the State of Missouri, the City of Fulton, or Westminster College.
Churchill Museum in Missouri Gets National Landmark Status, Could Join National Park System
The "America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act" officially designates the America's National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri, as a National Historic Landmark. This includes the Winston Churchill Memorial on the grounds of Westminster College (specifically, 501 Westminster Avenue, as the bill points out in SEC. 2). The main point? To recognize and protect the museum's historical significance. SEC. 3 is where the action is: It gives a formal nod to the museum and sets the stage for potential upgrades and partnerships.
Making History Official
The bill doesn't just give the museum a fancy title. It opens the door for the Secretary of the Interior to team up with local groups (public or private) to preserve the site and create educational programs (SEC. 3). Think of it as a handshake between the federal government and local organizations like the State of Missouri, the City of Fulton, and Westminster College, allowing for collaborative preservation efforts and visitor experiences.
Dollars and Sense
This designation could mean some federal dollars flowing to Fulton. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to provide technical and financial help to those partners (SEC. 3). This could translate to improved exhibits, better preservation of artifacts, and maybe even some new educational programs for students and history buffs. For example, imagine interactive displays that bring Churchill's speeches to life, or workshops for local teachers on incorporating the museum's resources into their curriculum.
What's Next: A Deep Dive
SEC. 4 is where things get interesting for the long term. The bill orders a "special resource study" of the museum. This isn't just a quick look-see. It is an in-depth evaluation to see if the museum qualifies to become part of the National Park System. The study will look at the museum's national significance, whether it's a good fit for the park system, and different ways to preserve it. It is going to involve talking to local stakeholders and figuring out the costs of any federal involvement. The Secretary has three years after getting the funding to deliver a report to Congress with the study's findings and recommendations. So, while the landmark status is immediate, the potential for becoming a National Park is a longer-term consideration.