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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Tuesday approved legislation authored by U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) to make the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians in Adams County an affiliated area of the National Park Service (NPS).

Hyde-Smith’s Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Jefferson College Affiliated Areas Establishment Act (S.3241) is now available for consideration by the full Senate before the end of the 118th Congress.  Under this bill, Grand Village would be eligible for preservation, protection, and interpretation resources as an affiliate area of the Natchez National Historical Park.

“The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Historical Jefferson College show not only the rich history of Natchez but the important roles these places played in the story of the Natchez Indians and later on in the founding of the State of Mississippi,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the committee.  “I am committed to working with my colleagues to get this legislation enacted.

The committee-passed measure amended S.3241 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish Jefferson College in Natchez as an affiliated area once the Secretary determines it meets the necessary criteria.  The change was made after an NPS reconnaissance study determined Jefferson College does not meet current criteria.

“I was slightly disheartened at the determination surrounding Historic Jefferson College, but I will not be deterred,” Hyde-Smith said.  “Jefferson College was a location of a Freedman’s Bureau.  It was used to help former slaves transition out of slavery and to provide them with educational opportunities.  There is still so much to explore and to tell with this site, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Park Service to get this to affiliated area status and recognition.”

Hyde-Smith introduced S.3241 in November 2023 and advocated for its passage at a May hearing of the Subcommittee on National Parks.

The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Jefferson College Affiliated Areas Establishment Act was among more than measures considered by the full committee today, including legislation authorizing the transfer of two parcels from the National Park Service to the State of Mississippi for a welcome center and interpretive center/museum at the Vicksburg National Military Park.