This Act establishes the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park and a national network to preserve and interpret the legacy of Julius Rosenwald and the historic Rosenwald Schools program.
Richard Durbin
Senator
IL
The Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act establishes a new National Park unit to preserve and interpret the legacy of philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and the historic Rosenwald Schools program. The legislation creates a national park across multiple sites—including a headquarters in Chicago—to honor the partnership that built thousands of schools for African American children in the segregated South. Additionally, the Act establishes the Rosenwald Schools National Network to provide research, educational resources, and financial assistance for the preservation of these historic sites nationwide.
New National Park Act to Preserve 5,000 Rosenwald Schools: Federal Network and Chicago Headquarters Set for Launch
This bill creates the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park, a multi-state effort to protect the legacy of a massive educational movement. Between 1912 and 1932, philanthropist Julius Rosenwald teamed up with Booker T. Washington and local Black communities to build nearly 5,000 schools across 15 states during the era of segregation. This legislation doesn’t just put a plaque on a wall; it establishes a formal headquarters in Chicago at the old Sears Roebuck complex and designates specific 'anchor' schools in Maryland, South Carolina, and Virginia to be preserved as part of our national story.
A Network for Local History
Beyond the main park sites, the bill creates the 'Rosenwald Schools National Network.' Think of this as a professional support system for the hundreds of former Rosenwald Schools that still stand in small towns and rural counties today. If you live near one of these buildings—many of which now serve as community centers or museums—this law allows the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical help, research, and educational materials to keep them running. It also opens the door for federal grants to help with preservation, though there is a 'skin in the game' requirement: the government will only cover up to 50% of a project’s cost, meaning local partners will need to fundraise or find state matching for the rest (Section 1).
Protecting Property Rights
For those worried about federal land grabs, the bill is very specific: the Secretary cannot use eminent domain to take land. Any property added to the park must be acquired through donation, exchange, or a voluntary sale from a willing seller (Section 1). Furthermore, while some schools in South Carolina and Virginia will be 'associated' with the park to receive support, they won't be handed over to the federal government; they stay in local hands. This setup respects local ownership while still providing the 'National Park' brand and expertise that can drive heritage tourism to these areas.
Education and Accountability
This isn't just about old buildings; it's about the data and stories inside them. The bill mandates the creation of a general management plan within three years and requires the National Park Service to develop an official symbol and educational handbooks for the public (Section 5). To ensure taxpayer money is used correctly, the law includes a 'clawback' provision: if a property receives federal preservation funds and is later used for something that contradicts the park’s mission, the government can demand reimbursement for those costs or the increased value of the property (Section 4). It’s a straightforward way to ensure these sites remain dedicated to history rather than turning into private offices or condos down the road.