On Tuesday, October 18th, representatives from the Pauli Murray Project, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Collaborative for Women's History Sites, and other partners attended a hearing of the National Park Service Landmarks Committee to approve the proposal for Pauli Murray House to become a National Historic Landmark. A distinguished delegation of advocates traveled to D.C. to stand at the podium, speak passionately for Pauli Murray's childhood home, and present the committee with over 2,500 signed petitions and letters of support from organizations and individuals.

The committee unanimously recommended the federal designation for the house, moving the nomination on to the National Park System Advisory Board. The applause from the room was hard-earned and a very welcome response.

This was the first step in the process to have Pauli Murray House, which was built by her grandfather and was home to three generations of Rev. Murray's family, registered as a National Historic Landmark. The next step is for the National Park System Advisory Board to consider the nomination at their next meeting on November 17-18 in Philadelphia. If the nomination is successful in November, it will be forwarded to the Secretary of the Interior, who will make the final decision.

We are encouraged by the enthusiasm of Monday's decision and look forward to continuing work with our partners to preserve the Pauli Murray House in Durham, North Carolina.

Learn more about Monday's hearing and the campaign for National Historic Landmark designation at The News & Observer.