Bill Overview
Title: Blackwell School National Historic Site Act
Description: This bill establishes the Blackwell School National Historic Site in Texas as a unit of the National Park System. The purpose of the site is to preserve, protect, and interpret for the benefit of present and future generations the Blackwell School, including (1) the role of the Blackwell School, which educated children of Mexican descent, as an academic and cultural cornerstone in Marfa, Texas; and (2) the function of the Blackwell School within a segregated system of education in Texas and the United States from the period of 1885 through 1965. The historic site shall not be established until the date on which the Department of the Interior has (1) entered into a written agreement with the Marfa Unified School District providing that the Blackwell School shall be donated to or placed by agreement into comanagement with the United States for inclusion in a national historic site to be managed consistently with the purposes of such a site, and (2) acquired sufficient land or interests in land within the boundaries of the historic site to constitute a manageable unit. Interior may only acquire by donation, purchase with donated funds, or exchange any land or interest in land located within the boundary of the historic site. The bill prohibits any private property or nonfederal public property from being included within the boundaries of the historic site or managed as part of such site without the written consent of the owner. Interior shall prepare a general management plan for the historic site.
Sponsors: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in American history, specifically Mexican-American education history
Estimated Size: 500000
- The establishment of a National Historic Site has potential implications for local economies due to increased tourism.
- People interested in Mexican-American history and education will benefit from the preservation and interpretation of this historic site.
- Educational institutions might utilize this site for educational purposes highlighting racial segregation and integration in schools.
- The National Park Service will be directly involved in the management and operation, impacting their resources and personnel.
- Local residents of Marfa, Texas, may experience changes in community dynamics or economic opportunities related to the presence of a historic site.
Reasoning
- The population impacted includes educators, historians, and tourists interested in Mexican-American history and civil rights.
- Local economic impact expected from increased tourism in Marfa, Texas, potentially boosting local businesses.
- Limited personal impact on individuals not directly involved in history or education sectors.
Simulated Interviews
Local Business Owner (Marfa, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This historic site will bring more tourists to our town, which could be great for my cafe.
- I'm excited about the preservation of our local history, especially representing Mexican-American heritage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
History Professor (Austin, Texas)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The establishment of this historic site is vital for preserving important parts of our history.
- It will serve as a valuable educational resource for my students and research. I plan to visit frequently.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired School Teacher (El Paso, Texas)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's wonderful to see recognition of such an important facet of education history.
- I'd love to volunteer as a guide at the Historic Site to share this history with visitors.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tourist Blogger (New York, New York)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This site will be a fascinating addition to my blog, showcasing American history beyond the typical sites.
- Cultural landmarks like this are underrepresented and deserve more attention.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
College Student (Houston, Texas)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The site offers a critical learning opportunity, providing insights into historical segregation in education.
- I plan to conduct research there for my final year project.
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 |
National Park Service Employee (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This project will enhance the cultural offerings of the National Park Service.
- Managing this site allows us to expand our narrative to include vital but underrepresented historical stories.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Local Government Official (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The historic site will provide a welcome boost to our local economy.
- As a heritage site, it will enhance community pride and offer educational value.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Film Maker (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm eager to document the stories and experiences that this historic site can offer.
- It's crucial to highlight these issues, and this site supports my work in educational films.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired Historian (San Antonio, Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's rewarding to see our efforts in preserving such an integral historical site come to fruition.
- This site will serve as a resource for future scholars and the general public alike.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The site is an exceptional resource for my studies, particularly regarding racial history in education.
- I look forward to visiting and participating in the educational programs they might offer.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3500000)
Year 2: $1500000 (Low: $1200000, High: $2000000)
Year 3: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1500000)
Year 5: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1500000)
Year 10: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1500000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1500000)
Key Considerations
- The success of the site in generating tourist interest will heavily influence both local economic impact and longer-term costs.
- Legal and logistical considerations around property acquisition and heritage preservation will affect the timeline and cost structure.
- The site’s educational and cultural programs may require collaboration with local and regional educational and cultural institutions.