S. 3490: National Historical Park and National Historic Landmark Establishment and Boundary Adjustments Act of 2025

This bill, known as the National Historical Park and National Historic Landmark Establishment and Boundary Adjustments Act of 2025, aims to create and designate specific historical sites in the United States. The bill primarily encompasses two major components:

1. Establishment of Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park

The bill proposes the establishment of the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park in New York. The park will aim to:

• Preserve and protect: It will focus on safeguarding the history and resources related to the 982 refugees from World War II who were sheltered at Fort Ontario from August 1944 until February 1946.
• Interpret: The park will serve to educate the public about these significant historical events for both current and future generations.

The creation of the National Historical Park will only occur after the Secretary of the Interior determines that sufficient land has been acquired within the proposed boundaries as laid out in a specific map.

The Secretary will manage the park following laws applicable to units of the National Park System and may develop cooperative agreements with state or local entities to provide educational services. Land can be acquired through donation, purchase, or exchange but must comply with specific limitations regarding public land.

2. Designation of America’s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark

The bill also seeks to designate America’s National Churchill Museum, located at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, as a National Historic Landmark. This designation will not:

• Prohibit property owner actions: The designation does not restrict actions by the college or any other property owners concerning the landmark's management.
• Affect management: The administration of the landmark will continue under the existing authorities of the State, City, and College.

The Secretary of the Interior will conduct a special resource study to evaluate the national significance of the museum, assess the feasibility of further designations as a unit of the National Park System, and explore alternatives for its preservation.

Summary of Key Actions

• Establish a national historical park to honor Holocaust refugees.
• Designate an existing museum as a historic landmark.
• Conduct studies to assess the significance and future management of these sites.
• Facilitate cooperative agreements for educational programs related to the historical park and museum.

Relevant Companies

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