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119-hr-1568119th Congress

African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act

Sponsored By: Representative Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]

Introduced

Summary

a permanent memorial museum and educational center would be created at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City to honor enslaved Africans and teach the history of slavery and African cultural traditions. The Museum would host permanent and temporary exhibits, collect and preserve artifacts, run digital and interactive programming, and coordinate with the Smithsonian and other partners, including possible association with the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

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  • Families and visitors: Creates a dedicated visitor center with immersive exhibits and public programs to honor remains of up to 20,000 enslaved Africans and early African Americans and to explain African cultural traditions.
  • Researchers and educators: Funds artifact collections, preservation, digital programming, and partnerships with the Smithsonian, historically Black colleges and universities, and other museums to support exhibits and scholarship.
  • Local government and partners: Authorizes the Secretary to acquire expansion property (including 22 Reade Street), build and operate the Museum, and covers a federal share of two-thirds of acquisition and development costs while establishing an Advisory Council to guide planning and operations.

*Would authorize at least $15.0 million for FY2025 and additional sums as needed, increasing federal spending.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Advisory council and director for museum

If enacted, the Secretary would set up an African Burial Ground Advisory Council. The Secretary must appoint initial members within 180 days; most terms would be three years and staggered. The council would meet at least twice a year (four times in the first year). Members would not be paid but could get travel expenses. The Secretary would appoint a museum Director, consider the council’s recommendations, and could hire two staff outside normal federal hiring and pay rules.

Land, building, and funding for the museum

If enacted, the Secretary, working with GSA and the Advisory Council, would acquire a site at 22 Reade Street or another spot within the landmark area. The Secretary could buy, lease long-term, or accept donations, and any new property would become part of the National Monument. The federal government would pay two-thirds of the costs to acquire the site and to plan, design, and build or renovate the museum; partners would cover the rest. The bill would authorize $15 million for 2025 and allow additional needed funds in later years, available until spent. Funds could also support programs, curriculum, workshops, community outreach, and a visitor center with interactive technology.

New museum to honor enslaved Africans

If enacted, this would create a memorial museum and education center at the African Burial Ground in New York City. It would honor enslaved Africans and their descendants, and explore African culture and the history of slavery in the U.S. and worldwide. The museum would host permanent and temporary exhibits, research, and digital programs, and could partner with other museums and schools. The Secretary would be able to collect, loan, trade, or sell items to build the collection, accept gifts, and make contracts to run the museum, with any sale proceeds used to add to the collection.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]

NY • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2025

  • Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2025

  • Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2025

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2025

  • Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2025

  • Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2025

  • Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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