New Act Creates Fort Ontario Refugee Park, Studies Churchill Museum for National Park Status

If you’re someone who appreciates history, especially the kind that connects directly to major world events, this new legislation is aimed squarely at you. The National Historical Park and National Historic Landmark Establishment and Boundary Adjustments Act of 2025 is all about giving federal recognition and protection to two very different, but equally significant, historical sites.

The Newest National Park Unit: Fort Ontario

First up, the bill establishes the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park in New York. This isn't just another fort; it preserves the story of the 982 World War II refugees who found shelter there between August 1944 and February 1946 (SEC. 2). For history buffs, this is a huge win, ensuring that a unique chapter of American and Holocaust history is preserved and interpreted by the National Park Service (NPS).

Here’s the catch, though: the park isn't officially open for business right away. It only gets established after the Secretary of the Interior confirms that enough land has been acquired to make a “manageable park unit” (SEC. 2). This is a standard administrative hurdle, but it means the official launch date is tied to how quickly the NPS can acquire the necessary property. Notably, any land currently owned by New York State can only be acquired by donation, which could make assembling the final park boundary a bit tricky if the state isn't ready to give up certain parcels.

Once established, the Secretary can enter into cooperative agreements with New York and private groups to enhance educational programs and even restore historic resources on non-Federal land near the park, provided there is reasonable public access. This is good news for local communities, as it encourages partnerships and investment in the surrounding area.

Churchill, Missouri, and the Landmark Upgrade

The second major part of the bill deals with the America’s National Churchill Museum at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. This site—which already includes the famous Winston Churchill Memorial—is officially designated as a National Historic Landmark (SEC. 3). This designation provides federal recognition and paves the way for the Secretary to offer technical and financial assistance through cooperative agreements, helping the college and local entities protect and interpret the site.

Crucially, this designation doesn’t affect how the college or the state administers the property, meaning the existing owners still call the shots. However, the bill mandates a Special Resource Study within three years of funding being made available. This study will evaluate whether the Churchill Museum is suitable and feasible to become a full-fledged unit of the National Park System (SEC. 3). The NPS will look at the site’s national significance and consider alternatives to full NPS designation, complete with cost estimates.

What This Means for You

For the average person, this bill is about better access to high-quality history. If you're planning a road trip, you'll eventually have a new, federally protected historical park in New York focusing on a critical, often overlooked, World War II story. For those interested in Churchill's legacy, the Missouri site is getting a major upgrade in federal support, which typically translates to better exhibits and programming.

While the establishment of the Fort Ontario park is contingent on land acquisition, and the Churchill site is still just being studied for full park status, this legislation secures the initial recognition and funding needed to preserve these places. It’s a classic example of policy focusing on cultural preservation, ensuring that these stories are around for the next generation of historians and casual visitors alike.