Bill Overview
Title: To designate the Cold War Museum located at 7142 Lineweaver Road, Warrenton, Virginia, as the "National Cold War Museum of the United States", and for other purposes.
Description: This bill designates the Cold War Museum located at 7142 Lineweaver Road, Warrenton, Virginia, as the National Cold War Museum of the United States.
Sponsors: Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals interested in Cold War history and museum visitors
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The primary audience for the museum are individuals interested in Cold War history.
- Museum tourism can attract visitors from both the local area (Virginia) and globally.
- Designation as a national museum may increase the number of visitors from people interested in U.S. history.
- Cold War veterans and historians might be particularly interested.
- School groups and educational institutions are another potential group impacted, as they may incorporate tours into educational programs.
Reasoning
- The budget constraints mean the policy cannot transform the museum but can improve its operations, marketing, and visibility.
- Given the focus on Cold War history, those with a background or interest in this period will be most impacted.
- The geographic location of the museum suggests that people in or near Virginia may feel a stronger impact due to accessibility.
- Historians, educators, and veterans of the Cold War may see more significant benefits tied to increased resources and recognition.
- People with no interest in history or museums, or those who live far from Virginia, may not be impacted at all.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Military Officer (Richmond, Virginia)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's an excellent move to designate the Cold War Museum as a national museum. It'll help preserve important history.
- As a veteran, it feels like an acknowledgment of our service during a time less often highlighted.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
History Teacher (Arlington, Virginia)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This designation might add more educational resources to the museum, which would greatly benefit student learning.
- Having a national museum nearby will elevate our history classes.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
IT Specialist (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm happy they're emphasizing this part of U.S. history, but it's unlikely to change much for someone on the west coast.
- I might consider a visit if I'm ever on that side of the country.
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 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Journalist (New York, New York)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Designating it as a national museum will likely spark more interest in Cold War-related articles, driving some public interest stories.
- I see a professional advantage in this development, leading to potentially enriching coverage.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cold War Historian (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be a pivotal moment for educators and historians alike, granting access to additional resources and networks.
- It's a significant step toward ensuring Cold War narratives are not lost.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Diplomat (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 75 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The recognition of the museum is gratifying and may help in sustaining public discourse around the Cold War's diplomatic efforts.
- I'm pleased to see this era getting recognition, particularly for younger generations.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
College Student (Houston, Texas)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this will bring considerable attention to my research interests, especially in courses focusing on 20th-century history.
- I might plan a visit as part of a study trip.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Museum Curator (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is fantastic news; it could lead to more collaborative exhibits and sharing of artifacts between institutions.
- Providing a national platform can strengthen community engagement across cultural institutions.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Tech Entrepreneur (San Diego, California)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the efforts to preserve history, though as a West Coast resident, I doubt I'll see direct benefits or impacts.
- It's a great initiative, and I support it philosophically.
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 |
High School History Teacher (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could enrich our curriculum and provide engaging field trips for students.
- We may even develop a focused school event around a museum visit.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $2000000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 3: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 10: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Key Considerations
- The museum's rebranding and designation as a national museum may lead to an increase in visitors, but this is not guaranteed and dependent on effective marketing.
- There may be expectations for funding future programs or enhancements, potentially leading to requests for federal funding later.
- Designation as a national museum may influence local economic development positively, albeit in small measures.