Canterbury Shaker Village National Heritage Area Study Authorization Act
Latest action (29 Jul 2026): Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
What this bill does
S. 2801, the Canterbury Shaker Village National Heritage Area Study Authorization Act, would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study examining whether it is suitable and feasible to designate Canterbury Shaker Village, a National Historic Landmark in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, as a National Heritage Area. The study would follow the standard process set out in federal law for evaluating potential heritage areas, and the Secretary would be required to consult with state and local historic preservation officers, historical societies, tourism offices, and other relevant organizations and agencies while conducting it. The bill also includes congressional findings describing the historical significance of Canterbury Shaker Village, established in 1792, as a center of the Shaker religious movement and a National Historic Landmark since 1992.
The bill primarily affects the Department of the Interior, which would carry out the study, and stakeholders in New Hampshire—including state and local preservation, historical, and tourism entities—who would be consulted. It does not itself create a National Heritage Area; it only authorizes the study that would inform any future decision on designation.
The bill was introduced by Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), with Senator Thom Tillis as a cosponsor, and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. As of July 29, 2026, the committee ordered the bill reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Next steps would include potential consideration by the full Senate, and if passed, action by the House of Representatives before the bill could be sent to the President.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
The committees assigned to this bill sent it to the House or Senate as a whole for consideration on July 29, 2026.
Timeline
29 Jul 2026
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 2801 do?
- S. 2801, the Canterbury Shaker Village National Heritage Area Study Authorization Act, would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study examining whether it is suitable and feasible to designate Canterbury Shaker Village, a National Historic Landmark in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, as a National Heritage Area. The study would follow the standard process set out in federal law for evaluating potential heritage areas, and the Secretary would be required to consult with state and local historic preservation officers, historical societies, tourism offices, and other relevant organizations and agencies while conducting it. The bill also includes congressional findings describing the historical significance of Canterbury Shaker Village, established in 1792, as a center of the Shaker religious movement and a National Historic Landmark since 1992. The bill primarily affects the Department of the Interior, which would carry out the study, and stakeholders in New Hampshire—including state and local preservation, historical, and tourism entities—who would be consulted. It does not itself create a National Heritage Area; it only authorizes the study that would inform any future decision on designation. The bill was introduced by Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), with Senator Thom Tillis as a cosponsor, and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. As of July 29, 2026, the committee ordered the bill reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Next steps would include potential consideration by the full Senate, and if passed, action by the House of Representatives before the bill could be sent to the President.
- Has S. 2801 become law?
- Not yet. As of 29 Jul 2026, S. 2801 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored S. 2801?
- S. 2801 was sponsored by Sen. Margaret “Maggie” Hassan [D-NH] (Democrat-NH), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 2801?
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (29 Jul 2026).
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