# What This Bill Does

This bill creates a new national museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ American history and culture within the Smithsonian Institution. Think of it like how the Smithsonian already has museums focused on American history, natural history, and African American history—this would add one specifically dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories, art, and contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans throughout the country's history.

The museum would collect artifacts, documents, and artwork related to LGBTQ+ life and culture, put on exhibits, and run educational programs. It would work with schools, other museums, and LGBTQ+ organizations to share this history with the public. The bill also sets up a council of 19 people (mostly appointed by the Smithsonian's Board of Regents) who would oversee the museum's direction, help decide what gets collected, and advise on how it operates.

# Who This Affects and How

If you visit Washington, D.C., you'd eventually be able to visit this museum like you would any other Smithsonian museum. Teachers and students could use it as an educational resource. LGBTQ+ organizations and smaller museums around the country could potentially benefit from grants and partnerships with the new national museum to improve their own operations and collections. The bill also creates scholarship opportunities for people studying LGBTQ+ history and culture.

From a practical standpoint, this is primarily about creating a public institution to document and share an important part of American history that hasn't had a dedicated national museum before. It's similar in concept to how other Smithsonian museums preserve and present different aspects of American heritage.

National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture Act

Pocan, Mark

National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture Act This bill establishes within the Smithsonian Institution the National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture. The museum (1) may carry out educational and liaison programs in support of its goals, and (2) shall establish specified grant and scholarship programs.