US National Park Service removes slavery memorial at Philadelphia historic site

"The decision comes in the wake of a directive from US president Donald Trump to remove "corrosive ideology" from cultural heritage venues across the country. The outdoor exhibit centred the lives of nine people enslaved by George Washington, the US's first president, at the house he once inhabited, examining "the paradox between slavery and freedom in the founding of the nation", according to the NPS ."

"On 22 January, social media videos began to circulate that captured workers removing panels explaining the US slave economy, according to The New York Times. The removal seemed to be part of an effort to comply with the Trump administration's March 2025 instructing the NPS to "focus on the greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people" and warning that materials at national heritage sites would be up for review, lest they "inappropriately disparage Americans"."

"In a statement to the Times, a spokesperson for the Department of the Interior said the exhibit was dismantled "in accordance with the order" to ensure "accuracy, honesty and alignment with shared national values". The exhibit's removal is just one of many examples of the Trump administration's efforts to erase large parts of US history-both distant and recent. The NPS was previously ordered to that promoted "specific viewpoints" related to diversity, equity and inclusion measures."

The National Park Service removed the "Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation" exhibit at Independence National Historical Park. The outdoor exhibit focused on nine people enslaved by George Washington and examined the paradox between slavery and freedom during the nation's founding. Social media videos showed workers removing panels that explained the US slave economy. The Department of the Interior said the exhibit was dismantled "in accordance with the order" to ensure accuracy, honesty and alignment with shared national values. The removal aligns with broader administration actions limiting content tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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