The National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC) held a public hearing on August 11, 2026, and I represented the Thomas Paine Memorial Association (TPMA). Congressman Jamie Raskin also spoke advocating for a Washington, D.C. Thomas Paine memorial. A recording of the meeting can be found here: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?documentID=151312
Please note that to view the recording, you must use the passcode listed on the above video link.
During the meeting, NCMAC announced the opening of a public comment period during which citizens and prospective visitors are invited to submit comments supporting the proposed memorial. The public comment period will remain open through September 10, 2026. Below is a direct link to the public commentary form: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=151312
TPMA encourages Thomas Paine enthusiasts to lend their voices in support of this effort to build a memorial in Washington, D.C. At the above link, please share why you believe Thomas Paine deserves lasting recognition in the nation’s capital. You may wish to explain why you are motivated to submit a comment, include a favorite Paine quotation, describe your intention to visit the memorial and why it would be meaningful to you, or explain the educational value a Thomas Paine Memorial would provide to visitors. Even a brief statement submitted during the public comment period could make a meaningful difference.
Your endorsement will help NCMAC recognize the enduring importance of preserving the full story of the founding of the United States and Paine’s rightful place in that history.
If you already participated in the public commentary, thank you very much.
(Original letter may be downloaded below)
