Bill Overview
Title: New Philadelphia National Historic Site Act
Description: This bill establishes the New Philadelphia National Historic Site in Illinois as a unit of the National Park System to preserve, protect, and interpret the history and archeological resources of the town established by Frank McWorter, a formerly enslaved man, in 1836. The historic site shall not be established until the Department of the Interior has determined it has acquired a sufficient quantity of land or interests in and within the boundary of the historic site to constitute a manageable unit.
Sponsors: Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-18]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in historic and cultural sites
Estimated Size: 5000000
- The establishment of a National Historic Site typically impacts tourists and individuals interested in history and heritage sites.
- Local residents in and around the site are likely to be directly impacted by the legislation due to changes in land use, tourism, and related economic opportunities.
- Researchers, historians, and archaeologists with an interest in early African American history and archeological studies would be impacted.
- The general population with an interest in the expansion and preservation of historical and cultural sites in the United States will also be indirectly affected.
Reasoning
- The target population primarily includes local residents in and around the site who may experience economic and cultural impacts due to increased tourism and potential job creation.
- Historians, archaeologists, and cultural enthusiasts may have interest in the site for research and recreational purposes, which might influence wellbeing scores positively.
- Indirect impacts on tourists abound as the site could enhance cultural appreciation or educational value.
- The policy could affect both nearby communities through changes in infrastructure and businesses, as well as wider communities with increased opportunities for education and historical preservation.
Simulated Interviews
History Professor (Springfield, Illinois)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this site will be a fantastic addition to our educational resources.
- Having more historical preservation helps to enrich our community culture.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Tourism Business Owner (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new site could offer a great boost to local tourism.
- As someone in the tour industry, any expansion in heritage sites is welcome news.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Cultural Enthusiast (New York, New York)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I love discovering new historical sites and the stories behind them.
- This site adds a rich narrative to a less well-known aspect of history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired Farmer (Pittsfield, Illinois)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about how the new site might change our small town life.
- There might be positive economic opportunities, but I'm wary of too much change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Archaeologist (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This site is a significant find for those studying African American history.
- I'm eager to contribute research and insights as the site develops.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
School Teacher (St. Louis, Missouri)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having a new historic site within travel distance is a great educational opportunity.
- Field trips could be more meaningful with such rich history nearby.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Historian (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the potential for new research and publications.
- Such sites elevate the narrative of our shared history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Local Artist (Bloomington, Illinois)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A new historic site could provide inspiration for my artwork.
- The cultural acknowledgment is equally important to our community's growth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Software Engineer (Naperville, Illinois)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's nice to know about the history where I now live, but I feel indifferent about the site overall.
- As a busy professional, I doubt I'd visit very often.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
College Student (Peoria, Illinois)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Learning about this new site really connects with my studies.
- It can provide pivotal insights for my educational development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $5000000)
Year 2: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $6000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $7000000)
Year 5: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $8000000)
Year 10: $7000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $9000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- The potential for archaeological discoveries could result in both costs and educational benefits.
- The location within the National Park System ensures the site will receive federal support for infrastructure and operations.
- Enhanced local economic activity may be observed through increased tourism.
- Initial land acquisition costs could be high depending on market conditions and site requirements.