National Park Service removes Philadelphia exhibit on Washington and slavery

On Jan. 22, National Park Service staff tore down an outdoor exhibit on the history of slavery at the President’s House in Philadelphia, part of Independence National Historical Park. The exhibit told the story of the nine people George Washington enslaved while president. The removal followed months of conjecture and protest over whether and how the site would reconcile its content with President Donald Trump’s 2025 executive order demanding the removal of history that might "inappropriately disparage" famous Americans.

The action comes amid heightened scrutiny of Washington’s place in the history of slavery; demonstrations for racial justice in 2020 saw protesters deface and tear down statues of Washington, while others pushed back, arguing he should continue to be celebrated. The article notes that in 2024 Trump told an audience, "You know, they thought he had slaves.

Actually, I think he probably didn’t." The piece situates the dispute in a much longer history of argument over Washington’s relationship with slavery. It says Washington enslaved more people than any of his fellow founders and was actively involved in the institution, yet privately expressed uneasiness and a desire for gradual abolition that he did not make public.

On his death, Washington used his will to free 123 people he had enslaved, though that emancipation came with conditions.

Key Topics

Culture, George Washington, National Park Service, President's House, Philadelphia, Slavery