House Passes Rep. Onder’s Bill to Designate America’s National Churchill Museum as a National Historic Landmark

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2026
Contact: Brooke Morgan

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) released the following statement after his bill, H.R. 1945, the America’s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act, passed the full House of Representatives following unanimous approval by the House Committee on Natural Resources.

The Senate previously passed S. 3490, the National Historical Park and National Historic Landmark Establishment and Boundary Adjustments Act of 2025, on December 16, 2025, which included Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) companion legislation to H.R. 1945. Because H.R. 1945 is not identical to S. 3490, H.R. 1945 will now be sent to the Senate for consideration and for the opportunity to resolve differences between the chambers.

“Nearly 80 years ago this week, Sir Winston Churchill delivered one of the most consequential speeches of the 20th century: Winston Churchill’s ‘Sinews of Peace,’ better known as the ‘Iron Curtain’ speech, in my district in Fulton, Missouri. With President Harry Truman at his side, Churchill warned the world of the division descending over Europe. It was also a call to defend freedom and strengthen alliances in our mutual struggle against tyranny. Since then, Churchill has inspired generations of leaders. Today my bill to formally designate America’s National Churchill Museum as a historic landmark passed the House. Churchill’s deep understanding of history and steadfast commitment to individual freedom guided his leadership during the challenging years of World War II. His final words in Parliament, ‘never flinch, never weary, never despair’ capture his enduring principles and unwavering resolve. This official designation will ensure that the Churchill Museum at Westminster College continues to educate and inspire future leaders for generations to come,” said Congressman Bob Onder.

"80 years ago this week, Winston Churchill delivered a clarion call from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. From America's heartland he warned the world of an iron curtain and delivered a defiant message about the power of democracy to overcome tyranny.

The House of Representatives today has recognized the national significance of America's National Churchill Museum. In so doing, Congress is united in its support for Winston Churchill, whose words remain immensely relevant today," said Timothy Riley, Director and Chief Curator at America's National Churchill Museum.

“Winston Churchill’s ‘Sinews of Peace’ speech was a significant moment at the beginning of the Cold War that future generations should study and remember. I thank Representative Onder for honoring Winston Churchill’s legacy by leading this bill to designate the speech’s location as a National Historic Landmark and I look forward to seeing it cross the finish line,” said Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman.

“By recognizing America’s National Churchill Museum as a National Historic Landmark, we are honoring the enduring legacy of Sir Winston Churchill’s historic "Iron Curtain" speech and reaffirming our commitment to preserving the ideals of freedom, leadership, and courage that define the American spirit,” said Congressional Western Caucus Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02).

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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.