Philadelphia Sues NPS Over Removal of Slave Exhibits
Philadelphia Sues National Park Service Over Removal of Slavery Exhibits at President’s House
The City of Philadelphia is suing the National Park Service (NPS) after workers removed exhibits depicting slavery at the President’s House in Philadelphia. The lawsuit, filed Thursday, targets Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron.
The removal of the informational signs,which detailed the history of slavery at the former home of Presidents George Washington and John Adams (opened in 2010),came in response to President Trump’s executive order “restoring truth and sanity to American history” at national museums,parks,and landmarks.
Philadelphia’s lawsuit argues that the NPS and the Interior Department “did not engage with the city and do not have the city’s approval to make unilateral changes to the President’s House exhibit.” Mayor Cherelle Parker emphasized a 2006 cooperative agreement between the city and the federal government, which requires consultation before any exhibit changes are made.
A spokesperson for the Interior Department stated they are adhering to the Trump management’s executive order,asserting that all federal agencies are reviewing interpretive materials for accuracy and alignment with national values. The spokesperson also criticized Philadelphia, suggesting the city should focus on economic issues and its bail policy rather than pursuing legal action, and defended the founding Fathers.