Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act
The Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act would require the Secretary of the Interior to remove or permanently conceal the name of Francis G. Newlands from elements of a memorial fountain located at Chevy Chase Circle in Washington, DC. Specifically, the bill directs the removal of a brass plaque bearing the name, removal of a stone tablet at the south end of the fountain with the name and inscription, and removal or concealment of the name “Newlands” on the coping stones. It also establishes a short process for disposition: the removed items would be offered to the descendants of Francis Griffith Newlands for 60 days; if unclaimed, they would become Federal property and be placed in the Rock Creek Park museum collection by the National Park Service. The act defines the “memorial fountain” by its location and name the site accordingly.
Key Points
- 1The Secretary of the Interior must remove or permanently conceal the name of Francis G. Newlands from the memorial fountain grounds, including a brass plaque, a stone tablet, and the name carved on coping stones.
- 2After removal/concealment, the items must be offered to the descendants of Francis Griffith Newlands for 60 days; if unclaimed, the items become Federal property and are accessioned into the Rock Creek Park museum collection.
- 3The bill creates a defined scope covering only the memorial fountain at Chevy Chase Circle (Connecticut Avenue and Western Avenue NW, DC).
- 4The bill is titled the “Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act.”
- 5Introduced in the Senate by Mr. Van Hollen on July 22, 2025 and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; status is introduced.