Summary

Creates a new national museum at the African Burial Ground National Monument in Lower Manhattan to honor those buried there, tell the story of slavery and African cultural traditions, and support research, education, and public programs. The Department of the Interior is directed to secure a site, plan, design, and build the museum, operate it as part of the National Monument, and link it formally with the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The legislation sets up an advisory council, a museum director, and staffing authority; allows partnerships with the City and State of New York and community groups; and authorizes $15 million for FY2025 plus additional funds for later years and site acquisition. Funds are available until spent and can support outreach, curriculum, a visitor center, and long‑term sustainability.

Key Points

• Creates a national museum at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City.
• Directs Interior to acquire a site and to plan, design, and build the museum as part of the National Monument.
• Associates the museum with the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• Authorizes Interior to operate the museum, manage collections, accept gifts, and partner with city, state, and community groups.
• Establishes an Advisory Council to guide planning, operations, interpretation, and preservation.
• Requires appointment of a Museum Director and allows two staff hired outside certain federal pay rules.
• Authorizes $15 million for FY2025 plus additional funds for later years and site acquisition; funds remain available until spent.
• Supports education and public programs, including outreach, curriculum, a visitor center, and long‑term sustainability.

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