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Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools Special Resource Study
Denver Service Center » Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools Special Resource Study » Document List
As directed by Congress in the Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald School Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-336), the National Park Service (NPS) prepared a special resource study of sites associated with the life and legacy of American businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior.
The 1998 National Parks Omnibus Management Act (54 United States Code 100507) established the process for identifying and authorizing studies of new national park units. A study area must meet four criteria to be recommended as an addition to the national park system. These criteria include: 1) national significance, 2) suitability, 3) feasibility, and 4) need for NPS management. The Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools Special Resource Study evaluated 16 sites associated with Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald School program using these criteria and analyzed the suitability and feasibility of a visitor center in or near Chicago, Illinois.
The study concludes that the San Domingo School, a Rosenwald School located in Sharptown, in Wicomico County, Maryland, is the only analyzed site that meets all four criteria and would be appropriate for the establishment of the Rosenwald Schools National Historic Site as a new national park unit. The study further recommends to Congress the establishment of a Rosenwald School Network Program with grant-making authority to support groups already preserving and promoting Rosenwald Schools. The study also explored potential locations for a visitor center in or near Chicago, Rosenwald's hometown, with feasible options ranging from partnerships with existing institutions to creating innovative parks-to-people experiences.
While the National Park Service conducted the study, which resulted in positive findings, the designation of national park units is ultimately the purview of Congress and the President. The purpose of the study was solely to evaluate the area and report to Congress.
The study was completed and transmitted to Congress for their consideration on June 13, 2024.
NPS Washington Support Office
720-454-5626
For general inquires you can email the study team at rosenwaldstudy@nps.gov.
The 1998 National Parks Omnibus Management Act (54 United States Code 100507) established the process for identifying and authorizing studies of new national park units. A study area must meet four criteria to be recommended as an addition to the national park system. These criteria include: 1) national significance, 2) suitability, 3) feasibility, and 4) need for NPS management. The Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools Special Resource Study evaluated 16 sites associated with Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald School program using these criteria and analyzed the suitability and feasibility of a visitor center in or near Chicago, Illinois.
The study concludes that the San Domingo School, a Rosenwald School located in Sharptown, in Wicomico County, Maryland, is the only analyzed site that meets all four criteria and would be appropriate for the establishment of the Rosenwald Schools National Historic Site as a new national park unit. The study further recommends to Congress the establishment of a Rosenwald School Network Program with grant-making authority to support groups already preserving and promoting Rosenwald Schools. The study also explored potential locations for a visitor center in or near Chicago, Rosenwald's hometown, with feasible options ranging from partnerships with existing institutions to creating innovative parks-to-people experiences.
While the National Park Service conducted the study, which resulted in positive findings, the designation of national park units is ultimately the purview of Congress and the President. The purpose of the study was solely to evaluate the area and report to Congress.
The study was completed and transmitted to Congress for their consideration on June 13, 2024.
Contact Information
Carrie MillerNPS Washington Support Office
720-454-5626
For general inquires you can email the study team at rosenwaldstudy@nps.gov.