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Commemorative works are key elements in Washington, DC’s symbolic landscape, telling stories of our nation’s history and heritage, and recognizing leaders, events, and groups. NCPC plays a critical role in guiding the location and design of federal commemorative works through policy and review. NCPC also works to ensure that future generations have commemoration opportunities and encourages new approaches through plans and initiatives.
Highlight: Beyond Granite
Beyond Granite: Pulling Together was subsequently recognized as a “Vision Award” winner by The Committee of 100 for the Federal City at their awards ceremony on October 17 at the United Church of Christ at 945 G Street, NW. The award is dedicated to the Trust for the National Mall and partners for contributing to the protection and enhancement of the city’s unique sense of place and character.
NCPC Key Guidance
Commemorative Works Act
This federal law directs NCPC to review and approve the site and design for commemorative works located on federal lands in Washington, DC or its environs. Originally passed in 1986, the law has been amended several times including in 2003 when Congress established the “Reserve,” an area on the National Mall where no new memorials are permitted.
Visitors & Commemoration Federal Element
This element sets forth NCPC’s policies for visitor destinations that include federal and cultural institutions; attractions including memorials, monuments, and national landmarks; and spaces for national events and public gatherings.
Related Plans and Documents
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Beyond Granite Key Findings report
In May 2024, learnings from the Beyond Granite: Pulling Together pilot exhibition were captured in a Key Findings report by an independent evaluation consultant. The takeaways will inform recommendations and policies in the update of the Memorials and Museum Master Plan (2M Plan).
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Memorials for the Future
The National Park Service and the National Capital Planning Commission, in collaboration with the Van Alen Institute, conducted Memorials for the Future, an ideas competition that aimed to rethink the way we develop and experience memorials, creating new ideas for honoring our diverse histories, heritage, and culture.
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Memorial Trends and Practice Report
This report, prepared in consultation with the National Park Service and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, provides context about the commemorative planning process and highlights recent research on memorial planning and construction.
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Commemorative Works Catalog
NCPC and the National Park Service established an inventory of federal commemorative works, including key attributes, as a precursor to the Memorial Trends and Practice Report. It is the basis for the interactive Commemorative Works Map.
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Commemorative Works Act Amendment
This amendment to the original 1986 Commemorative Works Act established an area around the National Mall called the "Reserve" in which no new memorials are permitted.
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Memorials and Museums Master Plan
This plan identifies future memorial and museum sites and provides guidelines for their location.
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Extending the Legacy: Planning America's Capital for the 21st Century
This document is NCPC's long-range vision to drive federal investment in memorials, museums, and public buildings into all city quarters.
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Commemorative Works Act
Congressed passed the Commemorative Works Act to provide a framework for establishing memorials in Washington, DC and its environs. The law requires NCPC and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts to review and approve the site and design for commemorative works and established the National Capital Memorial Advisory Committee as an advisory body on matters related to commemoration.
Recent Project Reviews
