ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 9565ProclamationObama · D

Proclamation 9565

Establishment of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

President Obama used the Antiquities Act to establish the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, designating approximately 0.88 acres including the historic A.G. Gaston Motel as a National Park Service unit. The proclamation withdraws federal lands from development and directs the Secretary of the Interior to manage the monument and prepare a management plan within 3 years.

Federal Register Open PDF 82 FR 6151

Impact dates

  1. Management plan due from Secretary of the Interior

Key directives

  • Secretary of Interior shall manage monument through National Park Service
  • Secretary shall prepare management plan within 3 years of proclamation date
  • Management plan must ensure preservation of historic objects and interpretation of civil rights movement
  • NPS directed to seek agreements with City of Birmingham, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, and Bethel Baptist Church
  • Federal lands withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, mining, and mineral/geothermal leasing

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Monument establishment takes effect
  • Federal lands withdrawn from entry, sale, mining, and mineral leasing
  • National Park Service assumes management responsibility

Near term (90d)

  • NPS to begin coordination with City of Birmingham and partner organizations for agreements on visitor services, interpretation, and preservation

Long term

  • Management plan due by January 12, 2020
  • Ongoing preservation and interpretation of civil rights history
  • Potential expansion if additional lands acquired

Risks & tensions

  • Monument limited to 0.88 acres may constrain full storytelling of Birmingham civil rights district (36 acres in NRHP)
  • Reliance on partnerships with local institutions for visitor services and interpretation may create coordination challenges
  • Vacant since 1996, Gaston Motel will require substantial restoration investment
  • Dominant reservation clause may create tension with valid existing rights holders
Proclamation 9565: Establishment of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument · Executive Orders