Story perspectives

National Park Service Removes Enslavement Panels, Faces Backlash

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Park Service removed 34 enslavement panels from the President’s House in Philadelphia to comply with an executive order aimed at reshaping narratives.
Critics, including Ed Stierli of the National Parks Conservation Association, argue the action undermines credibility and limits understanding.
The city of Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit to reinstate the exhibit.
Dr. Rasul Mowatt says erasure reflects marginalized narratives and requires acknowledgement of positive and negative history.

1 of 1

Story summary

The National Park Service removed 34 enslavement panels from the President’s House in Philadelphia to comply with an executive order aimed at reshaping narratives.
Critics, including Ed Stierli of the National Parks Conservation Association, argue the action undermines credibility and limits understanding.
The city of Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit to reinstate the exhibit.
Dr. Rasul Mowatt says erasure reflects marginalized narratives and requires acknowledgement of positive and negative history.