Only the National Park Service can fully preserve and interpret such a place in its national context—ensuring that visitors from across the country and around the world understand the full sweep of its historical and cultural significance. Transferring it to local or state management would not only diminish its stature, but also isolate it from the larger narrative of our democracy.

State and local governments, however well intentioned, often lack the consistent resources and long-term protections that federal stewardship provides. We have seen state-level funding shortfalls lead to the closure of historic sites and parklands, reduction of services, and, in some cases, the erosion of public access.

Even more concerning are the motives behind some of these efforts: to weaken environmental and preservation protections and open the door to commercial development under the guise of "local control." These proposals are not about better care or more efficient management—they are about stepping away from our collective responsibility to protect and interpret our nation's heritage for all Americans, especially for the younger generation.

This is not a matter of partisan politics—it is a matter of national pride and civic duty. From George Washington to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, our country has been shaped by leaders who believed in the power of shared purpose and collective memory. Our national parks and historic sites embody that belief. We must not let short-term interests dismantle what generations have built and protected.

This is a moment that will define us. Will we allow the quiet dismantling of our most powerful symbols of unity, or will we work to protect them?

For the sake of our history, our culture, and our future, we urge you to act now.

With gratitude,

Tom Paine

President, Friends of the Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site