Slavery Exhibits Removed from Philadelphia's President's House Site

The National Park Service has removed exhibits detailing the history of slavery at the President's House Site in Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park. This action aligns with President Donald Trump's executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which mandates the review and potential removal of content deemed to "inappropriately disparage Americans past or living."

The President's House Site, located at 6th and Market streets, was the residence of Presidents George Washington and John Adams. The site included exhibits that highlighted the lives of nine individuals enslaved by Washington during his presidency. These displays were developed after extensive research and advocacy by local activists to ensure an accurate representation of history.

Paul Steinke, executive director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, confirmed that National Park Service workers removed the signage. He noted that the President's House Site was unique as the only federal historic site commemorating the history of slavery in America.

The removal has sparked criticism from local officials and community leaders. Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson described the action as an effort to "whitewash American history," emphasizing that history cannot be erased simply because it is uncomfortable. Similarly, Representative Brendan Boyle stated that Philadelphia and the entire country deserve an honest accounting of history, and this effort to hide it is wrong.

In response to the removal, the city of Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit against Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron. The lawsuit argues that the removal of the exhibits was arbitrary and capricious, and seeks to have the displays reinstated.

The executive order, signed in September, specifically mentioned Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park and directed the Interior Secretary to ensure that memorials do not contain content that inappropriately disparages Americans, focusing instead on the achievements and progress of the American people.