Senate Advances Onder’s Churchill Museum Legislation

Contact: Brooke Morgan (Washington, D.C.) -The Senate unanimously passed the National Historical Park and National Historic Landmark Establishment and Boundary Adjustments Act of 2025, which included Senator Josh Hawley's (R-MO) companion to Rep. Onder's H.R. 1945, the America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act. This bill formally designates America's National Churchill Museum as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its exceptional historical significance.

"Sir Winston Churchill inspired generations of leaders through his resilience, determination, and resolve. I am proud to lead America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act in the House, which designates America's National Churchill Museum at Westminster College as a National Historic Landmark. With the Senate's passage of this legislation, we are taking important steps to ensure Churchill's legacy continues to inspire future leaders right here in Missouri," said Congressman Bob Onder.

"Missouri is home of Winston Churchill's 'Iron Curtain' speech that marked the beginning of the Cold War," said Senator Hawley. "I'm proud to have shepherded this legislation through the Senate to rightfully commemorate Missouri's friendship with one of the greatest leaders in world history."

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Background Information

Located on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, the National Churchill Museum holds a unique place in world history. On March 5, 1946, it was there that Sir Winston Churchill delivered his famous "Sinews of Peace" address-known to history as the Iron Curtain speech-declaring, "From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent."

At this site, standing alongside President Harry Truman, Churchill warned of the growing division across Europe, a moment many historians mark as the beginning of the Cold War and a defining chapter of the 20th century.

To honor the legacy of Churchill's visit, Westminster College undertook a remarkable effort in the 1960s to relocate the 17th-century Church of St. Mary Aldermanbury from London to Fulton, stone by stone. Reconstruction was completed in 1969, and the church now serves as the home of America's National Churchill Museum.

Nearly 80 years later, this historic site continues to educate visitors about leadership, freedom, and the importance of understanding our nation's history.

The America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act:

● Directs the Secretary of the Interior to designate America's National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its exceptional historical significance.

● Requires the National Park Service to conduct a Special Resource Study to evaluate future designation opportunities for the site.

This legislation ensures that some of the most consequential moments in modern history are preserved, honored, and shared with generations to come.