Bill would establish Julius Rosenwald National Historical Park across four states

What does this do?

This bill would establish a national historical park with sites in Illinois, Maryland, South Carolina, and Virginia honoring Julius Rosenwald and the schools he helped build for African American children between 1912 and 1932. The National Park Service would also create a nationwide network connecting surviving Rosenwald school buildings and related sites, producing educational materials, research, signage, and exhibits, and offering grants to participating sites.

Who does it affect?

Visitors, students, historians, and communities near park and network sites would be directly affected. Property owners whose buildings join the network would need to allow public access, and state and local governments in the four states may enter into partnerships with the federal government.

Why does it matter?

Creating the park and network would give more people the opportunity to learn about the role these schools played during an era when many Black children were denied access to public education. Property owners who join the network would take on an obligation to provide public access to their sites.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Funded through Congress
• Federal appropriations process