Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 9, 2025
Bottom line
The bill grants federal recognition and support to a historic site honoring Justice Thurgood Marshall, maintaining local ownership and management under an affiliated National Park System designation.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site in Baltimore, Maryland, as an affiliated area of the National Park System. It designates Public School 103, where Thurgood Marshall attended elementary school, as the site. The bill ensures the site remains owned and operated by the Beloved Community Services Corporation, while authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and financial assistance for its marketing, interpretation, and preservation.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill appropriately recognizes the profound historical significance of Justice Thurgood Marshall's contributions to civil rights by preserving a key site from his early life. They contend that establishing the site as an affiliated area of the National Park System provides crucial federal technical and financial assistance for preservation and interpretation, ensuring the site's long-term viability and accessibility to the public, while respecting local ownership and management.
Opponents contend
Critics, if any, might argue against the expansion of federal involvement, even in an affiliated capacity, and the open-ended authorization of appropriations, which could lead to unspecified federal spending. Some may prefer that historical preservation efforts remain entirely within state or local purview, or funded solely through private donations, to limit the federal footprint and potential future financial obligations.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and comprehensive understanding within the time typically allotted for legislative review.
Section 4(a), (b), (c), (d), (e)
Establishment of Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site
This provision formally establishes the Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site as an affiliated area of the National Park System. It specifies that the site will consist of Public School 103 in Baltimore, Maryland, where Thurgood Marshall attended elementary school. The bill clarifies that the School will continue to be owned and managed by the Beloved Community Services Corporation, which is also designated as the management entity for the site, ensuring local control while aligning with National Park System standards.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this provision strikes an ideal balance by providing national recognition and support for a crucial historical site while preserving the existing local ownership and operational structure. They believe this approach leverages federal expertise and resources for preservation and interpretation without imposing federal bureaucracy or ownership, which is often preferred for such sites.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this particular provision, as the affiliated area model is often seen as a compromise that respects local control. However, general opponents of federal expansion might view any new federal designation, even affiliated, as an unnecessary increase in federal footprint.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between federal recognition and local autonomy, aiming to provide the benefits of national park affiliation (prestige, technical assistance) without the full federalization of ownership and management. This requires careful coordination between federal and local entities.
Section 4(f) and (g)
Secretary's Role and Limitations
This provision authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and financial assistance to the management entity (Beloved Community Services Corporation) through cooperative agreements for the marketing, marking, interpretation, and preservation of the National Historic Site. Crucially, it explicitly limits the Secretary's role, stating that the Secretary is not authorized to acquire the School or assume overall financial responsibility for its operation, maintenance, or management. An agreement delineating roles and responsibilities between the Secretary and the management entity is also required.