Summary

Creates a new national museum and educational center at the African Burial Ground in Lower Manhattan, directs the Department of the Interior to acquire land, plan, build, and operate the museum as part of the National Park System, and establishes an advisory council and museum leadership to guide planning and operations. The law authorizes initial funding of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and additional sums as needed for site acquisition, construction, collections, programs, and ongoing operation. The measure sets out the museum’s purposes (honoring those interred, studying African cultural traditions and slavery, and promoting research and education), defines key terms and governance roles, creates an advisory council with specific appointment rules, directs appointment of a museum director and staff, and permits the Secretary to manage the property, accept gifts, enter contracts, and carry out related activities in consultation with partners.

Key Points

• Establishes a national memorial museum and educational center at the African Burial Ground in Lower Manhattan, to be administered by the Department of the Interior as part of the National Park System.
• Directs the Secretary to acquire site property and to plan, design, construct, renovate, and operate museum facilities with authority to use multiple acquisition methods and agreements.
• Creates an Advisory Council to advise the Secretary on planning, operations, and public engagement; Council members serve without pay and must be appointed within specified timeframes.
• Requires appointment of a museum Director (with two support staff allowed) to run day-to-day operations under Secretary policies and in consultation with the Advisory Council.
• Authorizes $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and additional sums as needed for site acquisition, construction, collections, programs, and ongoing operations; funds remain available until spent.
• Specifies museum purposes: to honor those interred, study African cultural traditions, interpret the institution of slavery, and foster research, education, and partnerships.
• Allows the Secretary to accept gifts, enter contracts, and take necessary administrative actions to implement and operate the museum and associated National Monument.
• Requires regular Advisory Council meetings (at least twice a year) and initial appointments within 180 days of enactment to ensure prompt planning and oversight.

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