Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has officially joined a legal challenge against the Trump administration's directive to dismantle an exhibition on slavery at Independence National Historical Park. This move signals a significant effort to uphold historical accuracy and local authority in managing national heritage sites, emphasizing the importance of confronting the complete narrative of the nation's past, including its uncomfortable truths. The Governor's brief supports the City of Philadelphia's existing lawsuit, which aims to reinstate the educational display that sheds light on the presence of slavery at key historical locations.
The exhibit in question, titled "Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation," served as a poignant tribute to the nine enslaved individuals who were compelled to labor at the President's House Site. This historic location was the residence of George Washington for a considerable portion of his presidency, predating the completion of the White House in 1800. The exhibition also delved into the broader economic and social systems of the slave trade, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of slavery's deep roots in the early American republic, as reported by sources such as the New York Times.
Independence National Historical Park, which encompasses iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, falls under the purview of the National Park Service. The Interior Department initiated the removal of the slavery exhibit following a March 2025 executive order issued by then-President Donald Trump. This order controversially categorized the park's acknowledgment of slavery's historical reality, and the fact that early U.S. presidents owned slaves, as a "corrosive ideology" and "historical revisionism."
In response to inquiries from the Times, the Interior Department stated that a review of interpretive materials at Independence National Historical Park had been conducted, leading to actions to "remove or revise interpretive materials in accordance with the Order." This decision sparked immediate backlash, leading to the City of Philadelphia filing a lawsuit to challenge what it views as an arbitrary and historically inaccurate alteration of the park's educational content.
The City of Philadelphia's lawsuit asserts that a long-standing agreement with the National Park Service, dating back to 2006, mandates a collaborative process for any modifications to exhibits. This agreement stipulates that both parties must "meet and confer" before implementing changes. However, according to a report by CBS News, the lawsuit contends that the NPS and the Interior Department bypassed this crucial requirement, making unilateral changes without the city's consent or input, and is seeking the immediate reinstatement of the exhibit.
Governor Shapiro's amicus brief specifically backs Philadelphia's legal endeavors. According to a press release from the governor's office, this action is intended to "defend the integrity of shared governance at nationally significant historic sites, and reaffirm the Commonwealth's commitment to preserving accurate, inclusive history." The release further highlights that Shapiro's brief is part of his administration's broader commitment to supporting Pennsylvania's communities, protecting local governance, and ensuring that historical narratives are safeguarded rather than deliberately obscured or rewritten.
Governor Shapiro underscored his administration's stance, stating that attempts to "rewrite and whitewash our history" would not be tolerated in Pennsylvania. He emphasized the state's dedication to learning from its past, even when aspects of that history are difficult or painful. Shapiro articulated that these historical displays are more than mere signs; they embody a shared heritage that is essential for comprehending the nation's origins and for guiding its future trajectory with a more complete and honest understanding.