H.R. 8887: Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act

The bill titled 'Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act' aims to establish a new national historical park in the United States to commemorate Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools. Here are the key points of what the bill proposes:

Purpose of the Bill

The primary purposes of this Act are:

• To create a unit within the National Park System dedicated to honoring Julius Rosenwald, a philanthropist known for his contributions to African American education in the segregated South.
• To acknowledge the historical significance of the Rosenwald Schools, which were built between 1912 and 1932 in 15 states and educated over 600,000 African American children.
• To preserve several notable Rosenwald Schools and establish a headquarters and visitor center for the park in Chicago, Illinois.
• To create a network that connects remaining Rosenwald Schools across the country, sharing the story of their impact on education and democracy in the United States.

Key Features of the Park

The proposed national historical park will include:

• Designated sites of the Rosenwald Schools, such as the San Domingo School in Maryland, the Saint George School in South Carolina, and the Woodville School in Virginia.
• A visitor center near the former Sears complex in Chicago, which will serve as an educational hub regarding Rosenwald and the schools he supported.

Administration and Management

The Secretary of the Interior will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the management of park lands in compliance with national park statutes.
• Establishing partnerships with state and local governments and organizations to enhance preservation and educational programs related to the park.
• Developing a management plan for the park within three years of the availability of funds.

Rosenwald Schools National Network

The bill also introduces the 'Rosenwald Schools National Network,' which aims to:

• Connect sites related to Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools to promote education and preserve historical significance.
• Facilitate research and the dissemination of educational materials regarding Rosenwald and the legacy of the schools he helped establish.
• Include various sites linked to the Rosenwald Schools story, potentially receiving federal recognition and support.

Land Acquisition and Site Designation

The bill allows for:

• The acquisition of land or easements for the park, particularly in Chicago, and outlines methods for acquiring school sites, including donations, purchases, or exchanges.
• The possibility of including additional sites deemed significant by Congress after the bill’s enactment.

Funding and Resources

Funding may be used for:

• Marking and preserving Rosenwald School sites and conducting interpretive programs about their history.
• Supporting educational initiatives related to the park's mission, including signs, exhibits, and digital resources.

Definitions and Terms

The bill defines specific terms relevant to its provisions, including:

• 'Map': Refers to the official boundary map for the park.
• 'Network': The Rosenwald Schools National Network laid out by the bill.
• 'Park': The Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park itself.

Relevant Companies

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