Shapiro: Protecting History Key as Trump Admin Considers Removing Slavery Exhibits in Philly

Governor Josh Shapiro Speaks Out Against Efforts to Censor Slavery History in National Parks

Governor Josh Shapiro has taken a firm stance against recent efforts by the previous administration to review and potentially remove exhibits that highlight the history of slavery at Independence National Historical Park. This move is part of a broader initiative to limit content in national parks that portrays the United States in a negative light.

In a statement released on X, Shapiro emphasized the importance of preserving historical truth, even when it is uncomfortable. “Protecting our history is about telling the truth, even when it is uncomfortable,” he said. He added, “If we don’t reckon with the reality of our past, we can’t learn from it and move forward. The fight for freedom has defined the American story for centuries. Trying to rewrite that history is impossible — and it goes against the very values our nation stands for.”

Shapiro, who is seen as a potential presidential candidate in 2028, made these remarks in response to a report published by the Inquirer that revealed more than a dozen displays about slavery during the founding of America were under review by the Trump administration. These exhibits are located at Independence National Historical Park, which includes the President’s House Site, where Presidents George Washington and John Adams once lived.

The evaluation could lead to the removal of certain content from parks by the fall. This review was prompted by an executive order from the previous administration, which directed the Interior Department to ensure there is no public-facing content at national parks that “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.”

Most of the exhibits flagged for review are located at the President’s House Site, a powerful reminder of the contradiction between liberty and slavery in early American history. The site also honors the individuals who were enslaved by Washington. The exhibit, funded by city and federal dollars, opened in 2010 and was transferred to the National Park Service in 2015.

Activists have long advocated for the inclusion of stories about the nine individuals who were enslaved by Washington at the site. Other exhibits under review include those at Independence Hall, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, Second Bank, an outdoor wayside exhibit panel on Independence Mall, and a proposed redesigned exhibit.

The timing of this review is significant, as it comes ahead of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States next year. This event is expected to draw attention to Independence Park and its exhibits, making the preservation of historical narratives even more critical.

Shapiro is not new to engaging in political battles over content at sites managed by the National Park Service. In 2024, he joined Pennsylvania Republicans in opposing a proposal by the National Park Service under then-President Joe Biden to permanently remove a statue of William Penn as part of the rehabilitation of Welcome Park.

While Shapiro has typically focused on policy critiques or legal action when the previous administration withheld federal funding, he has recently increased his public criticism of Trump and members of the GOP, particularly regarding Medicaid cuts. In June, he told reporters that the Trump administration doesn’t “know how to govern.”

On Tuesday, Shapiro also announced that he is suing the Trump administration alongside 22 other states to stop what he calls unlawful defunding of Planned Parenthood. This latest legal action underscores his continued commitment to challenging policies he views as harmful to public health and historical integrity.