Independence National Historical Park is one of the most visited historic sites in America—and it tells a complicated truth: while our nation was being born, so was the legacy of slavery that shaped it.

But now, critical displays about George Washington’s enslaved household and the role of slavery in America’s founding are under threat. A sweeping review by the National Park Service—at the direction of the Trump administration—has targeted exhibits that "disproportionately emphasize negative aspects" of U.S. history. That includes memorials to the nine Black people enslaved by Washington right here in Philadelphia.

These are not "distortions." They are the truth. And truth should never be a casualty of politics.

As we approach America’s 250th birthday in 2026, the Park Service should be investing in honest, inclusive storytelling—not scrubbing history to avoid “disparaging” powerful figures of the past. When we sanitize history to protect feelings instead of honoring facts, we not only disrespect the lives of those who were enslaved—we cheat every American out of the chance to understand the full story of our founding.

We stand with the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition and the communities who fought for decades to make these truths visible at Independence Park. We reject any effort to remove, water down, or bury the truth of slavery in our public historical spaces.

We call on National Park Service Director and the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to:

👉 Halt the review and potential removal of slavery-related exhibits at Independence Park
👉 Publicly reaffirm the Park Service’s commitment to telling inclusive, fact-based U.S. history
👉 Work with local historians, educators, and community members—not political appointees—to shape any future updates

This moment is a test: Will we honor truth, or retreat into myth?

Sign this petition to demand the National Park Service keep these exhibits in place—and protect the right of every visitor to learn the full American story.

Photo: Tom Gralish/The Philadelphia Inquirer