Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 96 Part 2.djvu/253

 PUBLIC LAW 97-329—OCT. 15, 1982

Public Law 97-329 97th Congress

96 STAT. 1615

An Act

To designate the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House in Washington, District of Columbia, as a national historic site, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS AND PURPOSE

1. (a) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds and declares that— (1) the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House was the residence in Washington, District of Columbia, of Mary McLeod Bethune, renowned educator, national political leader, and founder of the National Council of Negro Women; (2) it was at this location that Mary McLeod Bethune directed activities that brought her national and international recognition; (3) this site was significant as a center for the development of strategies and programs which advanced the interests of black women and the black community; (4) it was at this location that Mary McLeod Bethune as the president of the National Council of Negro Women received heads of state, government officials, and leaders from across the world; (5) the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House was the first national headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women, and is the site of the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial Museum and the National Archives for Black Women's History; (6) the archives, which houses the largest extant manuscript collection of materials pertaining to black women and their organizations, contains extensive correspondence, photographs, and memorabilia relating to Mary McLeod Bethune; and (7) the museum and archives actively collect artifacts, clothing, artwork, and other materials which document the history of black women and the black community. (b) PURPOSE.—It is the purpose of this Act— (1) to assure the preservation, maintenance, and interpretation of this house and site because of the historic meaning and prominence of the life and achievements of Mary McLeod Bethune, an outstanding leader in the areas of housing, employment, civil rights, and women's rights; and (2) to assure the continuation of the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial Museum and the National Archives for Black

SECTION

Oct. 15, 1982 [S. 2436] Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, DC. National historic site, designation. 16 USC 461 note.

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