Bill Overview
Title: National Liberty Memorial Preservation Act
Description: This bill extends through FY2027 the authority of the National Mall Liberty Fund D.C. to establish a memorial on eligible federal land to honor the slaves and free Black persons who served as soldiers and sailors or provided civilian assistance during the American Revolution.
Sponsors: Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in the historical contributions of Blacks during the American Revolutionary War
Estimated Size: 30000000
- The bill is focused on a memorial for slaves and free Black persons who contributed to the American Revolutionary War.
- This group includes descendants of those who served as soldiers, sailors, or provided civilian support during the revolution.
- The memorial itself will raise awareness and honor the historical contributions of these individuals, impacting communities concerned with heritage and history.
- Many people interested in American history, particularly the contributions of Black individuals, will be impacted by the preservation efforts.
Reasoning
- The policy is primarily symbolic and educational, with impacts expected mainly in terms of raised awareness and pride among descendants of those honored.
- The budget allocation allows for the establishment of a memorial, which can serve as an educational hub and a point of interest for tourists, potentially stimulating local economies.
- Direct financial or welfare impacts on individuals are expected to be minimal as the policy does not include direct subsidies or services to individuals.
- The impact on self-reported wellbeing will be more pronounced among those closely connected to the history being commemorated, while others may perceive it as an interesting historical enhancement.
- The allocation over 10 years allows for gradual planning and community involvement, increasing the policy's cultural resonance over time.
- People with strong interests in history and heritage may report higher subjective wellbeing due to perceived societal progression toward inclusive recognition of historical contributions.
- The policy's impact, both culturally and educationally, is nuanced and primarily experienced by those who feel a personal connection to the history or a strong interest in it.
Simulated Interviews
Historian (Washington D.C.)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this memorial is a long-overdue recognition of Black contributions to our nation's founding.
- It will offer an invaluable educational resource and encourage further discussion about race and history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
School Teacher (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This memorial provides a much-needed resource for educational programs emphasizing diversity in historical narratives.
- It's essential for students to learn about the diverse contributors to our history, and this memorial will enrich that learning experience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Military Veteran (Boston, MA)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Personally resonates with me as a veteran, wanting all contributors to be recognized.
- It affirms the service and sacrifices made that are often overlooked.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Museum Curator (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This memorial will be a remarkable addition to the national narrative on African American history.
- I expect it will draw interest and engagement in our ongoing exhibitions and programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Software Developer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's an interesting project but doesn't directly affect my day-to-day life.
- I might visit it on a trip, but it doesn't impact my wellbeing significantly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Historian (Richmond, VA)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This adds depth to our understanding of American history, particularly for those of us who study it professionally and passionately.
- The memorial could become a site of rich educational programming.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Retired (Charleston, SC)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This resonates deeply, as it highlights the histories of my ancestors that are often silenced.
- A public acknowledgment like this is overdue and enriches our cultural understanding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
High School History Teacher (Houston, TX)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This memorial will serve as an important teaching tool to broaden students' understanding of American history.
- It helps underline the importance of all racial contributions to the fabric of our nation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Park Ranger (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This isn't just a memorial; it's a conversation starter for millions who visit.
- Could enhance our interpretative programs and visitor experiences.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Urban Planner (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this as a valuable addition to our national historic sites, encouraging more thoughtful urban development.
- It's about honoring the past while planning for future generations to learn inclusively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The appropriateness of the location on federal land and its accessibility to the public can affect visitation rates and cultural impact.
- The funding strategy over the years including public-private partnerships might influence annual budgeting needs.
- Public sentiment and engagement with the memorial could drive further educational and historical research investments, indirectly influencing costs.
- Coordination with historical organizations and educational bodies for outreach might influence overall costs and benefits.