National Park Service Removes Philadelphia Slavery Exhibit
The National Park Service has removed a significant exhibit regarding slavery from Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. This decision comes in response to a directive from President Trump aimed at eliminating materials that he claims promote “corrosive ideology.” The exhibit, titled “Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation,” highlighted the experiences of nine enslaved individuals who served George Washington at the President’s House Site.
Details of the Exhibit Removal
The exhibit explored the complex relationship between slavery and freedom during the nation’s founding. It opened in 2010 under the Obama administration and included visual documentation of the slave economy and trade. As panels were taken down, videos circulated on social media, showing the removal process.
Executive Directive Background
In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order instructing the National Park Service to assess and revise materials at national sites. This order emphasized that interpretive materials should celebrate American achievements while avoiding any perception that disparages the nation. The specific targeting of Independence National Historical Park was noted in the directive, which claimed that the Biden administration’s approach pressured park rangers to convey history through the lens of racial identity.
Community Reaction
Michael Coard, a criminal defense attorney and activist, criticized the removal as “outrageous and blatantly racist.” He is a founding member of the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, which started in 2002 to advocate for the slavery memorial at the park. His comments reflect widespread concern that such actions de-emphasize critical discussions surrounding Black history.
Broader Implications
This move is part of a larger trend within the Trump administration to downplay Black history and related commemorations. Notably, the National Park Service has also removed diversity, equity, and inclusion merchandise from its gift shops. Additionally, key observances such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth were excluded from the list of days with free entrance this year.
Conclusion
The dismantling of the slavery exhibit at Independence National Historical Park raises important questions about how history is portrayed in national spaces. It highlights ongoing debates about race, memory, and national identity in the United States.
