Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025
If enacted, SB791 will have several implications for state laws and educational sites within Maryland. Importantly, it will officially recognize and celebrate the legacy of Thurgood Marshall as an integral part of American history. The establishment of the historic site will not only enhance public awareness about Marshall’s impact on civil rights but also serve as an educational resource for future generations, promoting discussions around race, equality, and justice. The bill provides for the administration of this site under the National Park System which emphasizes federal recognition of local historical significance.
SB791, titled the ‘Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025’, proposes to establish the Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site in Maryland as an affiliated area of the National Park System. This initiative is rooted in the significant historical contributions of Justice Thurgood Marshall, notably his role in the civil rights movement and his pivotal position as the first African American Supreme Court Justice. The bill seeks to preserve and interpret the history surrounding Marshall and his education, particularly through the establishment of the former Public School 103, now the Justice Thurgood Marshall School, as a national site.
The passage of SB791 is expected to generate discussions around the allocation of federal resources towards the preservation of such historic sites. Some may argue about the prioritization of funding given to national parks, especially in the context of local funding needs for educational institutions. Furthermore, while the establishment of such a site is largely viewed positively for commemorative reasons, there could be contentions regarding operational management and the responsibilities assigned to local entities like the Beloved Community Services Corporation, which will manage the site.