On January 13, the president signed into law the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools Study Act (H.R. 3250) following the quick passage of the legislation by the House and Senate in late December. The bill, introduced in the House by Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) and Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) in the Senate, authorizes a special resources study of the sites associated with the life and legacy of Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools. The National Trust has worked closely with the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Campaign, National Parks Conservation Association, and other partners to advance this legislation with the goal of establishing a national historical park to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Julius Rosenwald and his partnership with Booker T. Washington to establish Rosenwald Schools throughout the segregated South.

The National Trust has a long history working to save Rosenwald Schools, including placing the schools on the 2002 America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places List and submitting testimony to Congress. The Trust will continue our collaborative efforts with partners to make the new National Park Service site a reality.