FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 11, 2026

Contact: Brooke Morgan

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Congressman Bob Onder released the following statement after the House Committee on Natural Resources passed his bill, H.R. 1945, the America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act.

"Sir Winston Churchill inspired generations of leaders through his resilience, determination, and steadfast resolve. Today, my bill to formally designate America's National Churchill Museum as a historic landmark passed out of committee-a critical step toward preserving Churchill's legacy. This designation will ensure that the Museum at Westminster College continues to educate and inspire future leaders for generations to come, right here in Missouri," said Congressman Bob Onder."I'm thrilled that this legislation is headed to the House floor for a vote."

"The National Churchill Museum, the site where Winston Churchill delivered his famous 'Iron Curtain' speech, has great historical and cultural significance. I commend Rep. Onder for his commitment to honoring the legacy of one of America's greatest allies by leading legislation to make the museum a National Historic Landmark," said Chairman Bruce Westerman.

"Winston Churchill held a profound admiration for the United States throughout his life. It is fitting, then, that Congress--on the cusp of the 80th anniversary of the. British statesman's world-changing speech at Westminster College--has returned that regard by advancing legislation honoring the place and legacy he forged in America and the world,"said Timothy Riley, Director and Chief Curator at America's National Churchill Museum.

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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 Committee's approval of this legislation is timely, as the museum is preparing to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of Churchill's Iron Curtain speech on March 5, 2026.

The Senate passed 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 to Rep. Onder's H.R. 1945, the America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act.

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.