What is a “National Monument” Established by the President?A “national monument” established by the President protects “objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated on lands owned or controlled by the Federal Government” (54 U.S.C. § 320301, known as the Antiquities Act). When national monuments are administered by the National Park Service (NPS), they are subject to the same laws and policies that govern other units of the National Park System. Thus, an NPS national monument established by the President is a protected area like a national park, administered for the protection and enjoyment of its resources and values. How Does an Area Become a National Monument?To be established by the President, the area must meet the criteria of the Antiquities Act (54 U.S.C § 320301), including having objects of historic or scientific interest located on land already owned or controlled by the Federal government. The views of the public are carefully considered in the process. National monuments can also be created by Congress under their own enabling statutes, rather than the Antiquities Act. The Presidential proclamation or Congressionally-enacted statute creating the national monument typically indicates which Federal agency will administer it.What Constitutes Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument?The monument is comprised of sites in Sumner and Glendora, Mississippi, and Chicago, Illinois. Sumner sites include the Tallahatchie County Courthouse and the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, an official nonprofit partner of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. The Glendora site includes Graball Landing. Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ on State Street is the only Chicago area site that is part of the national monument. There are other related sites outside the national monument, and you can learn more about them at the Emmett Till Memory Project.What Happens Now That the Area Has Been Designated a National Monument?The National Park Service will develop a management plan to ensure that the new national monument preserves the site’s resources and provides for an outstanding visitor experience. The National Park Service’s planning for the new park will be done with full public involvement. Open houses and public meetings will be held to discuss the management plan and invite the public to share ideas for the future of the monument.Are Passport to Your National Parks® Cancellation Stamps Available?Passport stamps are available at the Mississippi and Illinois units of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument:
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Last updated: October 20, 2023