H.R. 1945: America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act

This bill, known as the America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act, aims to officially designate the America’s National Churchill Museum, which is located at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, as a National Historic Landmark. This designation includes the Winston Churchill Memorial which is already listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Designation: The America’s National Churchill Museum will be formally recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
• Cooperative Agreements: The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with relevant public or private entities. The purpose of these agreements will be to:
  • Protect historic resources at the Museum.
  • Provide educational and interpretive facilities and programs for the public.
• Assistance: The Secretary may offer technical and financial assistance to entities involved in the cooperative agreements.
• Property Owner Rights: The designation will not limit the rights of property owners, including Westminster College, concerning their property.
• Administrative Independence: The management of the Museum will still be under the jurisdiction of the state, the city, or the college, and this bill does not interfere with those responsibilities.

Special Resource Study

The bill also mandates a special resource study to be conducted by the Secretary of the Interior. This study will assess several important aspects related to the Museum:

• The national significance of the Museum.
• The feasibility and suitability of designating the Museum as part of the National Park System.
• Alternatives for preservation and protection of the Museum's resources, including potential federal involvement.
• Cost estimates related to any proposed actions regarding the Museum.
• Consultation with interested parties including federal agencies, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations.

A report detailing the findings of this study is required to be submitted to specified congressional committees within three years of the study's initiation.

Conclusion

This bill seeks to formally acknowledge the importance of America’s National Churchill Museum through landmark designation, while also providing mechanisms for protection and public education regarding the site.

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