In Philadelphia, a coalition of activists is mobilizing a comprehensive strategy to defend the slavery exhibits displayed at the President’s House, a significant site located within Independence National Historical Park.
These exhibits have become a focal point in a battle against reported intentions from President Donald Trump’s administration to alter or remove them.
Recently, organizers anticipated changes to the exhibitions would be implemented due to directives from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
However, as of Tuesday, no changes had been observed, indicating that pushback from the community has had an impact.
Michael Coard, a prominent figure in the Avenging The Ancestors Coalition, remarked, “We know that nothing happened on September 17 because of pushback.”
He emphasized that the coalition stands ready to take legal action against the Trump administration if any removal or modification occurs at the President’s House.
To strengthen their position, Coard has advised coalition members to refrain from discussing alternate locations for the exhibits.
He argued that doing so could weaken their legal standing by giving credence to the idea that the exhibits could be relocated elsewhere.
“That site is the only President’s House,” he stated firmly.
The President’s House exhibits focus on the complex relationship between slavery and freedom, especially highlighting the nine enslaved individuals who were brought to Philadelphia by George Washington during his presidency.
On a recent Tuesday morning, tourists were seen engaging with the educational panels situated outside the Liberty Bell Center at 6th and Market streets.
One tourist pointed out areas in the exhibit, remarking to a child, “This is what Trump wants to remove,” while discussing the panel titled “Dirty Business of Slavery,” which provides vital context regarding the transatlantic slave trade.
As the tension around the exhibits mounts, Greg Barnes, a 91-year-old resident of Old City, has taken a stand by demonstrating daily at the President’s House.
“I’m a Quaker. That pretty much explains it,” he expressed to a reporter, underscoring his commitment to supporting Black individuals in this fight.
The National Park Service (NPS) has confirmed that President Trump has urged federal agencies to review interpretive materials across national parks to ensure their alignment with what he describes as shared national values.
Elizabeth Peace, a spokesperson for the NPS, indicated that discussions regarding President’s House are ongoing and that it would be premature to comment on specific changes.
In March, President Trump signed an executive order directing the restoration of Independence Hall.
It also called for the removal of any content deemed as inappropriate criticism of historical figures or America’s past.
Subsequently, Burgum issued a directive in May that presented a timeline for these changes.
Reports reveal that federal employees have identified at least 13 display panels at the President’s House that may face scrutiny or alteration.
Moreover, the New York Times has stated that the Trump administration aims to substantially modify the existing exhibits.
Rosalyn McPherson, a leader of the newly-formed President’s House/Slavery Memorial Alliance, drew parallels between their activism and the entertainment industry.
“Jimmy Kimmel and those folks fought and got their show back on,” she said during a Zoom call on Tuesday.
“I like to think that we are doing the same thing here. We are not taking this sitting down.”
The coalition is exploring various strategies, which include utilizing activism, political pressure, and legal measures to protect the integrity of the exhibits.
There are also plans to involve religious leaders, scholars, archaeologists, and other stakeholders in their efforts.
Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler of the African Methodist Episcopal Church noted that the developments in Philadelphia are being closely observed by other historical sites around the country.
He stressed the broader importance of their work, stating, “What we do is critical, not just for us, but it also lays a strategy and groundwork for other sites who also want to do likewise.”
Coard’s coalition emerged in 2002 to advocate for the inclusion of the slavery exhibit when plans to relocate the Liberty Bell were initially announced.
Their efforts culminated in the unveiling of the exhibits at the President’s House around 15 years ago, which included visible remnants of the long-demolished home’s foundation under a glass enclosure.
On Tuesday, around 40 individuals participated in the Zoom meeting, which included former Mayor Jim Kenney, and additional sessions are slated for the following evenings.
Kenney expressed the importance of the exhibits and the accuracy of the nation’s history, urging elected officials to support the coalition’s cause.
He cautioned against the misconception that the Trump administration could be negotiated with, asserting, “You’re never going to placate him. He may leave you alone for a while, but eventually he’s coming back.”
image source from：metrophiladelphia
