Slavery Exhibit Restored in Historic President’s House in Philadelphia After Federal Judge’s Order
In a significant victory for historical accuracy and transparency, the National Park Service (NPS) has restored a slavery exhibit at the historic President’s House in Philadelphia on Thursday, just one day ahead of the federal judge’s deadline. U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe gave NPS until Friday to bring back the exhibit after ruling that its removal of “historic truths” was a violation of the First Amendment.
The President’s House, located on Independence Mall, was the home of America’s first two presidents, George Washington and John Adams, from 1790 to 1800. The site also holds a significant place in American history as the location where nine enslaved Africans were held by the Washington family. However, for decades, the site’s historical significance was not fully recognized as the stories of the enslaved Africans were not included in the official narrative of the site.
In 2002, the NPS acquired the property and embarked on a project to reconstruct the open-brick basement of the President’s House as an exhibit. The exhibit featured a video, “Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation,” which highlighted the stories of the enslaved Africans, who were known only by their first names – Austin, Hercules, Paris, Richmond, Giles, Christopher, Moll, Oney, and Joe.
However, in 2010, the NPS made the decision to remove the exhibit without any public notice or explanation. This decision sparked outrage and condemnation from historians, activists, and the general public. Many saw this as an attempt to whitewash history and erase the stories of the enslaved Africans who played a crucial role in the development of America.
In response, a lawsuit was filed against the NPS by a group of activists and historians, including the late Philadelphia congressman, John Lewis. The lawsuit argued that the removal of the exhibit violated the First Amendment and the National Historic Preservation Act. The case was heard by U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe, who ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.
In her ruling, Judge Rufe stated, “The stories of the enslaved Africans at the President’s House are essential to understanding the history of this site and our nation. Their erasure from the exhibit is a violation of the First Amendment, which protects the right to free speech and expression, including historical truth.”
Under the judge’s order, NPS was given until Friday to restore the slavery exhibit at the President’s House. However, in a positive turn of events, the NPS announced on Thursday that it had restored the exhibit, including the video and accompanying storyboards, a day ahead of the deadline.
In a statement, NPS said, “We have fully complied with Judge Rufe’s order by restoring the slavery exhibit at the President’s House in Philadelphia. We understand the importance of displaying the historic truths at this site, and we are committed to ensuring that the stories of the enslaved Africans are accurately and respectfully represented.”
The restoration of the slavery exhibit at the President’s House is a victory for historical accuracy and a testament to the power of collective action. This outcome would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of activists and historians, who advocated for the preservation of this crucial part of American history.
Moreover, this victory serves as a reminder that the true narrative of America’s history must include the voices and stories of marginalized communities. The restoration of the slavery exhibit at the President’s House is a step towards recognizing and acknowledging the contributions and struggles of enslaved Africans in shaping the nation.
In conclusion, the restoration of the slavery exhibit at the President’s House in Philadelphia is a significant moment in the fight for historical truth. This exhibit will serve as a powerful reminder of the injustices of the past and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. It is a testament to the power of standing up for what is right and the importance of preserving our collective history for future generations.