PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Bipartisan-backed legislation was introduced in Congress to try to make Philadelphia’s Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History a part of the Smithsonian Institution.
Lawmakers want to establish a commission of nine people to “study the feasibility of transferring” the Weitzman to the Smithsonian, a press release from the Jewish museum says.
If integrated, the Weitzman would become the 22nd museum under the Smithsonian but would remain in Philadelphia.
“Our museum’s location here on Independence Mall, here in Philadelphia is very intentional,” said Chief Public Engagement Officer Emily August. “A lot of people have asked us over the years, ‘Why aren’t you in D.C.? Why aren’t you in New York?’ And the answer seems so clear to us.
“When you come to a museum and explore American Jewish stories in that location and look out the windows across at the Liberty Bell and Independence Mall and Independence Hall, it’s a really powerful feeling.”
After the commission process, another round of legislation would be needed to officially make the transfer. August said it would be an exponential opportunity for the Weitzman to tell American Jewish stories on the Smithsonian’s level.
The legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and backed by several other lawmakers, including Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan Boyle and Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman.