Commission to Study the Creation of a National Museum of Irish American History
H.R. 2121 would create a 23-member Commission to study the possible creation of a National Museum of Irish American History. The Commission would evaluate how such a museum could be established and maintained in Washington, DC, including where it could be located (potentially within the Smithsonian), how it would be governed, and how it would engage the Irish-American community. A core feature is that the Commission must develop a fundraising plan aimed at supporting construction, operation, and maintenance without relying on federal appropriations, and it must obtain an independent review of whether that plan could realistically fund the museum in perpetuity. The bill sets formal reporting deadlines and avenues for legislative action, but explicitly contemplates fundraising as a primary pathway to long-term viability rather than ongoing federal funding. If enacted, the bill would authorize initial funding for the Commission itself (to cover staff and related costs) but envisions a nonprofit-style fundraising approach over time. The Commission would terminate after completing its final required reports and plans. Overall, the bill signals Congress’ interest in exploring a privately funded national museum that centers Irish American history and culture, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and feasibility.
Key Points
- 1Establishment and structure of the Commission
- 2- Creates the Commission to study the potential National Museum of Irish American History, comprised of 23 members appointed by the President and congressional leaders, with a chair chosen by the full Commission.
- 3- Qualifications emphasize commitment to Irish-American life and culture, plus expertise in museum administration, fundraising, education, or public service.
- 4Duties and study scope
- 5- Require a plan of action for establishing and maintaining the museum in Washington, DC.
- 6- Require a comprehensive report on issues such as collections, impact on regional Irish-American museums, potential locations (in consultation with planning and arts authorities), whether the museum should be within the Smithsonian, governance structure, community engagement, and construction/operating costs.
- 7Fundraising plan and viability review
- 8- Mandate development of a fundraising plan to support the museum without federal funding, plus an independent review of whether the plan can realistically fund construction and ongoing operations in perpetuity.
- 9- Require submission of the fundraising plan and the independent review to specified House and Senate committees.
- 10Legislative recommendations and timelines
- 11- Based on the study, the Commission must submit recommendations for a legislative plan to carry out the action to create and build the museum to key congressional committees.
- 12- Final reports and plans due within 24 months of the first Commission meeting; legislative recommendations due within 12 months after those reports.
- 13Administrative provisions and status
- 14- The Commission may hire staff (including an executive director) but members serve without pay and are not federal employees; per diem is allowed for travel.
- 15- Federal agencies may provide technical assistance, but federal employees cannot be detailed to the Commission.
- 16- Not subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
- 17- The Commission terminates 30 days after its final required reports are submitted.
- 18- Authorized appropriations: $2.1 million for the first fiscal year and $1.1 million for the second fiscal year to carry out Commission activities.