§ 410aa. — Establishment.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 16USC410aa]
TITLE 16--CONSERVATION
CHAPTER 1--NATIONAL PARKS, MILITARY PARKS, MONUMENTS, AND SEASHORES
SUBCHAPTER LVIII--VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
Sec. 410aa. Establishment
In order to preserve and commemorate for the people of the United
States the area associated with the heroic suffering, hardship, and
determination and resolve of General George Washington's Continental
Army during the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge, the Secretary of
the Interior (hereinafter referred to as the ``Secretary'') is
authorized to establish the Valley Forge National Historical Park
(hereinafter referred to as the ``park''), in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
(Pub. L. 94-337, Sec. 1, July 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 796.)
Short Title of 1999 Amendment
Pub. L. 106-86, Sec. 1, Oct. 31, 1999, 113 Stat. 1298, provided
that: ``This Act [enacting provisions set out as a note under this
section] may be cited as the `Pennsylvania Battlefields Protection Act
of 1999'.''
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Pub. L. 106-86, title II, Oct. 31, 1999, 113 Stat. 1299, provided
that:
``SEC. 201. PURPOSE.
``The purpose of this title is to authorize the Secretary of the
Interior to enter into an agreement with the Valley Forge Historical
Society (hereinafter referred to as the `Society'), to construct and
operate a museum within the boundary of Valley Forge National Historical
Park in cooperation with the Secretary.
``SEC. 202. VALLEY FORGE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
AUTHORIZATION.
``(a) Agreement Authorized.--The Secretary of the Interior, in
administering the Valley Forge National Historical Park, is authorized
to enter into an agreement under appropriate terms and conditions with
the Society to facilitate the planning, construction, and operation of
the Valley Forge Museum of the American Revolution on Federal land
within the boundary of Valley Forge National Historical Park.
``(b) Contents and Implementation of Agreement.--An agreement
entered into under subsection (a) shall--
``(1) authorize the Society to develop and operate the museum
pursuant to plans developed by the Secretary and to provide at the
museum appropriate and necessary programs and services to visitors
to Valley Forge National Historical Park related to the story of
Valley Forge and the American Revolution;
``(2) only be carried out in a manner consistent with the
General Management Plan and other plans for the preservation and
interpretation of the resources and values of Valley Forge National
Historical Park;
``(3) authorize the Secretary to undertake at the museum
activities related to the management of Valley Forge National
Historical Park, including, but not limited to, provision of
appropriate visitor information and interpretive facilities and
programs related to Valley Forge National Historical Park;
``(4) authorize the Society, acting as a private nonprofit
organization, to engage in activities appropriate for operation of
the museum that may include, but are not limited to, charging
appropriate fees, conducting events, and selling merchandise,
tickets, and food to visitors to the museum;
``(5) provide that the Society's revenues from the museum's
facilities and services shall be used to offset the expenses of the
museum's operation; and
``(6) authorize the Society to occupy the museum so constructed
for the term specified in the Agreement and subject to the following
terms and conditions:
``(A) The conveyance by the Society to the United States of
all right, title, and interest in the museum to be constructed
at Valley Forge National Historical Park.
``(B) The Society's right to occupy and use the museum shall
be for the exhibition, preservation, and interpretation of
artifacts associated with the Valley Forge story and the
American Revolution, to enhance the visitor experience of Valley
Forge National Historical Park, and to conduct appropriately
related activities of the Society consistent with its mission
and with the purposes for which the Valley Forge National
Historical Park was established. Such right shall not be
transferred or conveyed without the express consent of the
Secretary.
``(C) Any other terms and conditions the Secretary
determines to be necessary.
``SEC. 203. PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION.
``Nothing in this title authorizes the Secretary or the Society to
take any actions in derogation of the preservation and protection of the
values and resources of Valley Forge National Historical Park. An
agreement entered into under section 202 shall be construed and
implemented in light of the high public value and integrity of the
Valley Forge National Historical Park and the National Park System.''
