Thurgood Marshall's childhood school in Baltimore seeks National Park affiliation

What does this do?

HR 1718 would designate the Justice Thurgood Marshall School at 1315 Division Street in Baltimore, Maryland, as an affiliated area of the National Park System. The building already operates as a museum and was studied by the National Park Service in 2023, which found it met standards for national significance. Federal designation would not transfer ownership or daily operations to the government.

Who does it affect?

The site is owned and operated by a local nonprofit, the Beloved Community Services Corporation, which would retain control and gain access to federal technical and financial support. Baltimore residents and visitors interested in Marshall's legacy are also directly affected.

Why does it matter?

The designation would formally recognize Marshall's historical importance, including his role in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case and his later appointment as the first Black Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. The National Park Service could provide assistance for preservation, education, and marketing under a formal agreement with the nonprofit.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• No exact dollar amount specified
• Federal funds possible for preservation
• Education and marketing also eligible