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Philadelphia Sues National Park Service Over Removal of Slavery Exhibits at President’s House
The City of Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit against the National Park Service (NPS) after exhibits detailing the lives of enslaved people who lived adn worked at the President’s House in Old City Philadelphia were removed. The President’s House, located at 6th and Market Streets, served as the residence of Presidents George Washington and John Adams before the White House was completed. the removed exhibits specifically depicted the stories of nine enslaved African descendants owned by President Washington.
Background and Removal of Exhibits
According to NBC philadelphia, the exhibits were taken down following directives from the Trump administration. Philadelphia alleges that the NPS violated a 2006 agreement requiring consultation and mutual agreement before making changes to the exhibits. The city’s complaint asserts that the NPS and the Interior Department did not seek Philadelphia’s approval before unilaterally altering the display.
Mayor cherelle Parker stated that the 2006 agreement mandates a “meet and confer” process for any proposed changes to the exhibit. City Council President Kenyatta Johnson criticized the removal as an attempt to “whitewash American history,” arguing that removing exhibits doesn’t erase the historical record, only changes its presentation.
The 2006 Agreement and Exhibit History
The 2006 agreement between Philadelphia and the NPS stipulated that the exhibits would reflect the experiences of all who lived in the house during its time as an executive mansion, including the nine enslaved Africans brought by George Washington. The exhibit initially opened in 2010. The removal of the displays is part of a broader pattern during the Trump administration of actions perceived as downplaying or erasing the history of slavery and Black contributions to American society.
Trump Administration Actions
In January 2025, former President Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to prioritize naming national treasures after “visionary and patriotic Americans.” This
