Story perspectives

Philadelphia Protests Removal of Slavery Exhibits at President's House

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Philadelphia residents protested the National Park Service's removal of slavery exhibits at the President’s House.
Activists, including high school students, say the removal erases context and underscores the nation’s complex history.
Roz McPherson, a former project director, learned of the removal during dismantling and noted the exhibit was funded by local entities, not the federal government.
The community seeks clarity on the city–Park Service relationship and wants the panels returned.

History

Historical Context

The President's House in Philadelphia, where George Washington enslaved eight Africans from 1790 to 1797, became a focal point for historical recognition. In 2010, a memorial was established to commemorate this complex legacy. However, in 2026, all exhibits related to slavery were removed, igniting community protests and echoing past struggles for acknowledgment, such as the 1993 founding of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

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Story summary

Philadelphia residents protested the National Park Service's removal of slavery exhibits at the President’s House.
Activists, including high school students, say the removal erases context and underscores the nation’s complex history.
Roz McPherson, a former project director, learned of the removal during dismantling and noted the exhibit was funded by local entities, not the federal government.
The community seeks clarity on the city–Park Service relationship and wants the panels returned.

1 / 2