Van Hollen Secures Committee Passage of Bill to Designate the Museum of the Blind People's Movement as a National Museum

Yesterday, legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to designate the upcoming Museum of the Blind People's Movement in Baltimore as the official National Museum of the Blind People's Movement passed the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Currently operating as the National Archives of the Blind People’s Movement, which collects, preserves, and shares material and historical artifacts for research and education, the museum will be the first museum in the nation to be blind-owned, operated, and led, and will showcase the history of blind people as individuals and as a movement in America. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, and the resolution is cosponsored in the Senate by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). Following this key Committee passage, the bill is eligible for consideration by the full Senate. “For years, grassroots disability advocates and leaders have fought – and continue to fight – to ensure that equal rights, equal accessibility, and full inclusion are realized for every American. The Museum of the Blind People's Movement is critical to honoring their efforts and the efforts of all the pioneering blind Americans who have reshaped our nation. That’s why we fought to secure a $301,000 direct investment in this museum, and why we’re working to ensure its national recognition. Today’s Committee passage is an important step forward, and I will continue working to support the National Museum of the Blind People’s Movement to ensure that this history is preserved, shared, and celebrated,” said Senator Van Hollen . "For too long, the critical contributions made by Blind Americans to our society have gone under-appreciated," said Congressman Mfume. "By recognizing this first-of-its-kind, blind-owned and blind-led cultural institution as the National Museum of the Blind People's Movement, Congress honors an integral American story and supports an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and visitors from across our nation. Passage through Committee is an important first step, and I look forward to seeing this bill passed by both the Senate and the House." “The Blind People’s Movement has left an indelible mark on Maryland, and Baltimore specifically. I am so proud that legislation to designate the Museum of the Blind People’s Movement in Baltimore as the official National Museum of the Blind People’s Movement passed out of committee – now we will fight to get it passed and into law. This museum will be the first blind-owned, operated, and led national museum – right here in Baltimore,” said Senator Alsobrooks. Text of the bill can be viewed here .