Bill Overview
Title: New Philadelphia National Historical Park Act
Description: This bill establishes the New Philadelphia National Historical Park in Illinois as a unit of the National Park System. The purposes of the park are to protect, preserve, and interpret the historic resources associated with the town of New Philadelphia, the first town in the United States planned and legally registered by a free African American before the Civil War. The park shall consist of the approximately 124.33 acres of land within the boundary generally identified on the map titled New Philadelphia National Historic Site Proposed Boundary and dated July 2021.
Sponsors: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in and affected by the establishment of the New Philadelphia National Historical Park
Estimated Size: 500000
- The establishment of a new national park in Illinois will primarily impact residents and visitors who have an interest in historical sites, particularly those related to African American history.
- This park emphasizes the preservation and interpretation of resources related to New Philadelphia, impacting historians, educators, students, and cultural tourists.
- Communities around the park, especially in Illinois, may experience economic impacts from increased tourism and educational opportunities.
- Cultural organizations focused on African American history and heritage will find this park relevant to their interests, which includes a large segment of the global population interested in such themes.
Reasoning
- Residents near the park will likely see a direct economic boost from increased tourism.
- Historians and educators interested in African American heritage will have new resources for engagement.
- Tourists with an interest in cultural and historical landmarks will be positively impacted by the new park establishment.
- Not all US residents will interact with or be affected by the park directly, thus limiting certain geographical impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Bed and Breakfast Owner (Pittsfield, Illinois)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new park sounds like a great opportunity for local businesses, including mine. I expect more visitors each year.
- I believe it will put our little town on the map for those interested in 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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
High School History Teacher (Springfield, Illinois)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It will be a fantastic resource for our students. Being able to visit the site will make history more tangible for them.
- I hope it encourages interest in this important part of US history.
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 | 7 |
Graduate Student in African American Studies (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the park; it represents a significant opportunity for my research.
- I'm planning to use it both as a study space and to possibly conduct tours.
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 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Museum Curator (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having places like New Philadelphia represented in our national parks is important for historical preservation.
- I'll definitely include it in my travels whenever I head north.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cultural Historian (New York, New York)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A new site like this adds to the important conversation about African American history.
- I hope to conduct lectures at the park to promote understanding and awareness.
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 | 6 |
Journalist (St. Louis, Missouri)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having new places to cover is always exciting. It'll provide fresh content for travelers interested in history and culture.
- I'm looking forward to visiting the park once it's officially open.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Historian (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- New Philadelphia National Historical Park will be a gem in the National Park System. Others like me will appreciate the recognition of this historical site.
- I plan to suggest it as a site visit to my university's historical field study programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Local Government Employee (Jacksonville, Illinois)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The park project is promising for our region's tourism industry. What benefits the town, benefits individuals like me.
- I'm supporting measures that will prepare our community for an increase in tourists.
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 | 5 |
National Park Service Administrator (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This park will serve a vital role in educating Americans about important but often overlooked parts of history.
- I see it as a critical development in the context of our national narrative.
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 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Travel Blogger (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- New Philadelphia is an exciting addition to cultural travel destinations in the US.
- It’s on my list for upcoming travel itineraries to share with my readers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $7000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $9000000)
Year 2: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $6000000)
Year 3: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $6000000)
Year 5: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $6000000)
Year 10: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $6000000)
Year 100: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $6000000)
Key Considerations
- Initial funding would be necessary to cover land acquisition and initial development costs, posing budgetary considerations at the federal level.
- Long-term commitment to maintenance and staffing is crucial for sustaining park operations and achieving the park's objectives.
- Collaboration with local communities and cultural organizations could enhance programming and visitor engagement.