Contact Congress about S. 1161: Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act

Salem’s maritime historic site would get a new name: Salem Maritime National Historical Park. The Interior Department would study nearby historic and military sites for possible future addition, but the bill does not expand the park now.

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Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Latest action on S. 1161: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects the National Park Service, Salem officials, visitors, and people connected to nearby historic or military sites. The Park Service would have to use the new name and carry out the study if Congress provides funding. Salem leaders, local planners, and community groups could use the report when thinking about tourism, preservation, and future park boundaries. Nearby property owners are not directly affected now because the bill does not add land or change boundaries.

Why this matters: This bill matters because it could shape how Salem’s national park site is seen and how it might grow later. The new “National Historical Park” name may make the area feel broader and more connected to visitors. The boundary study could point Congress toward adding more historic, coastal defense, or military sites in the future. But the bill itself does not provide new funding for operations, add land, or change current park management.

Key provisions in S. 1161

• The Salem Maritime National Historic Site would get a new official name. It would become the “Salem Maritime National Historical Park.”
• Federal records would not need to be rewritten one by one. Any current law, rule, map, or federal document using the old name would mean the new park name.
• The Interior Secretary would have to study Salem, Massachusetts, and nearby areas. The study would look at possible changes to the park boundary.
• The study would cover places tied to maritime history, coastal defenses, and military history. That includes National Guard and militia activity.
• The study area must include two specific places. Those are the Salem Armory Visitor Center building and the nearby Salem Armory Park.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 1161

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 1161

What is S. 1161?

Salem’s maritime historic site would get a new name: Salem Maritime National Historical Park. The Interior Department would study nearby historic and military sites for possible future addition, but the bill does not expand the park now.

How do I support or oppose S. 1161?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 1161?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 1161 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.