Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. National Historic Site Act

This bill creates a new National Park Service site in Georgia to honor civil rights leader Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. It focuses on the historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church, where he served as pastor, and tells the story of his leadership in the civil rights movement.

The site will officially open after enough land is gathered to run it well. A public notice will follow within 30 days. The boundary will match a map kept on file at National Park Service offices. The Interior Department can accept donated land, buy land from willing sellers, or trade for it; land owned by Georgia or local governments can only be donated. A management plan must be finished within three years after funding begins. The Park Service may work with the state and other groups on signs, exhibits, parking, tours, tech-based interpretation, and preserving historic resources .

Key points

• Who is affected: Visitors, local communities in Georgia, and those interested in civil rights history.
• What changes: A new National Historic Site is added to the National Park System, with land acquired by donation, purchase from willing sellers, or exchange; state/local land only by donation. Partnerships can support signs, exhibits, tours, and preservation .
• When: The site is established once enough land is secured; public notice follows within 30 days. A management plan is due within three years after funds are first provided.