Bill Overview
Title: John P. Parker House Study Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the John P. Parker House in Ripley, Ohio, which was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1997. In conducting the study of the house, Interior must (1) evaluate the national significance of the house, and (2) determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing the house as a unit of the National Park System.
Sponsors: Rep. Wenstrup, Brad R. [R-OH-2]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals interested in African American history and historic preservation
Estimated Size: 750000
- The John P. Parker House is a site of historical importance, specifically associated with abolitionist John P. Parker.
- The house's significance is tied to African American history and the Underground Railroad, potentially impacting those with a historical or cultural connection.
- It is located in Ripley, Ohio, which may mean local communities are directly affected, particularly in terms of tourism and local pride.
- The study could lead to increased recognition and preservation efforts for the house.
- If the house becomes a National Park unit, it could attract more visitors, impacting local businesses and perhaps increasing jobs in the area related to tourism and park management.
Reasoning
- The John P. Parker House is a historical and cultural site, particularly relevant for individuals with a keen interest in African American history. The target population would include historians, educators, tourists, and local residents.
- Since it is a niche interest, the commonness of any significant impact is expected to be relatively low, concentrated among those already interested in historical sites related to the Underground Railroad.
- The total budget available sets a limit on the extent of immediate physical and operational changes, so effects on individual wellbeing related to economic factors are expected to be minimal.
- Those from the Ohio region, particularly Ripley, may experience increased regional pride and potential boosts in local tourism, which may slightly improve local economy and jobs.
- Overall, the policy primarily affects niche groups with existing interest, with wider effects dependent on further investment and development.
Simulated Interviews
History Teacher (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important to preserve our history and educate others about it.
- This study could help bring more attention to African American contributions to the country.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Ripley, Ohio)
Age: 57 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful but cautious. More visitors might mean more customers for us.
- If the Parker House becomes a part of the National Park System, it could really boost local business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Museum Curator (New York City, New York)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preserving sites like the John P. Parker House is crucial for cultural heritage.
- This policy could mean more resources for similar historic sites in the future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Historian (San Francisco, California)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good to see more investments in important historical landmarks.
- Even from afar, the protection of such sites feels affirming.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Graduate Student (Cleveland, Ohio)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm thrilled that the Parker House might get more recognition.
- It's an important educational resource.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cultural Preservationist (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Support for historic sites is always welcome.
- This study is a step in the right direction for heritage preservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Academic Researcher (Louisville, Kentucky)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Parker House is an essential part of our nation's history.
- More awareness and protection could greatly enhance its educational impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
College Student (Columbus, Ohio)
Age: 21 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone passionate about history, seeing the Parker House get attention is exciting.
- It makes me proud of our local history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Educator (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Historic preservation is important to me.
- Adding the Parker House to the National Park System could broaden its reach and educational potential.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Tour Guide (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy leads to more locations becoming part of tours.
- It could increase visibility for significant African American 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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $400000, High: $600000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $400000, High: $600000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The study's outcome could lead to the John P. Parker House becoming a unit of the National Park System, which could increase federal costs related to maintenance and operation but may offer cultural and educational benefits.
- Local community support and partnerships will be crucial for long-term success if the site is designated as a National Park unit.
- While immediate costs are limited, long-term investments and savings depend heavily on the study's recommendations and subsequent federal decisions.