This bill, titled the African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act , aims to establish a significant memorial museum and educational center in New York, New York. Located at the African Burial Ground National Monument, the museum will serve as a permanent tribute to the enslaved individuals buried there and to all Africans and African Americans who suffered under slavery. Its core purposes include examining African cultural traditions brought to the United States, exploring the institution of slavery globally, and providing space for exhibits, artifact collection, and study. The legislation mandates the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Administrator of the General Services Administration, to acquire property for the museum, specifically at 22 Reade Street or another area within the National Landmark. The federal government will cover two-thirds of the total costs for property acquisition, planning, design, and construction. The acquired property will be incorporated into and managed as part of the African Burial Ground National Monument . An African Burial Ground Advisory Council will be established within the Department of the Interior, comprising federal, state, and city officials, along with fourteen appointed members. This Council will advise the Secretary on the museum's planning, design, construction, administration, and operation, ensuring public input. The Secretary will also appoint a Director for the Museum, who will manage its operations in accordance with established policies. The bill authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and necessary sums thereafter for the museum's establishment and operation. These funds can be used to support the museum, raise private funds, develop curriculum, conduct community outreach, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the facilities and organizational objectives.
African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act
USA119th CongressS-728| Senate
| Updated: 2/25/2025
This bill, titled the African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act , aims to establish a significant memorial museum and educational center in New York, New York. Located at the African Burial Ground National Monument, the museum will serve as a permanent tribute to the enslaved individuals buried there and to all Africans and African Americans who suffered under slavery. Its core purposes include examining African cultural traditions brought to the United States, exploring the institution of slavery globally, and providing space for exhibits, artifact collection, and study. The legislation mandates the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Administrator of the General Services Administration, to acquire property for the museum, specifically at 22 Reade Street or another area within the National Landmark. The federal government will cover two-thirds of the total costs for property acquisition, planning, design, and construction. The acquired property will be incorporated into and managed as part of the African Burial Ground National Monument . An African Burial Ground Advisory Council will be established within the Department of the Interior, comprising federal, state, and city officials, along with fourteen appointed members. This Council will advise the Secretary on the museum's planning, design, construction, administration, and operation, ensuring public input. The Secretary will also appoint a Director for the Museum, who will manage its operations in accordance with established policies. The bill authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and necessary sums thereafter for the museum's establishment and operation. These funds can be used to support the museum, raise private funds, develop curriculum, conduct community outreach, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the facilities and organizational objectives.