Volume 3, No. 1 (Spring 1999) -- Brown v. Board 45th Anniversary Issue

By September of 1990, a task force was in place and the work to convert the vacant schoolhouse into a National Park began. A synopsis of the process follows:

Fall 1990
Letter writing campaign to ask Kansas congressional delegation to direct the National Park Service to conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of using the Monroe School building as a national park. Met with Under Secretary of Interior, Director of National Park Service, and Associate Director for Cultural Resources to update them on local efforts and the need for funding once the study was requested. The Foundation located funds, via the congressional delegation, to have NPS conduct the study.

Spring 1991
NPS study team arrived in Topeka for initial assessment. Foundation submitted a position paper to study team, outlining preference for how the site might develop.

Summer 1991
NPS study team conducted on-site research to complete suitability and feasibility document.

Fall 1991
Foundation requested clarification and assistance from the Kansas State Historical Society on the application process for National Historic Landmark (NHL) designation. Brown Foundation made presentation before the NPS Advisory Board to request NHL designation. Received official notification of NHL designation in November 1991. Held local news conference to provide a forum for the Assistant Secretary of Interior for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to make the announcement in person. At that time the position was held by the former Governor of Kansas. Met with officials of the Trust for Public Lands to interest them in an option on the property to ensure the owner of a sale.

Spring 1992
The Foundation developed draft legislation to be used as a concept for establishing a national park at the site of Monroe Elementary School. Met with congressional delegation staff and assistant to the Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Foundation convened ceremony to dedicate the Monroe Elementary School as a National Historic Landmark.

Summer 1992
Congressional delegation staff and Foundation prepare legislation to be introduced in the U.S. Senate in July. Senate hearing convened in August. Brown Foundation provides testimony. Senate legislation passes.

Fall 1992
Legislation introduced in the House. Special hearing convened. Brown Foundation provides testimony. Legislation passed in the House. President George Bush signs the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site Act of 1992 into law on Oct. 26, 1992.

Spring 1993
NPS appoints a planning team including representation from the Brown Foundation. Planning team begins work on site. Brown Foundation enters into a Cooperative Agreement with the National Park Service for planning and programs.

1994-2003
Planning process continues to determine management, historic interpretation and building usage. Projected opening for the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in late 2003. The old schoolhouse will be used as a visitor's center with interpretive exhibits, special programs and a resource library.