By: Katie Crompton

On Thursday, January 22nd, 2026, a slavery exhibit at the President’s House site in Philadelphia was removed without warning by the National Park Service. The removal is the result  of an executive order made by President Donald Trump on March 27th, 2025, titled “Restoring truth and sanity to American history.” On Friday, January 30th, the city of Philadelphia took this matter to court, arguing that Donald Trump and his administration should not have complete say over what parts of history get to be told. 

The removal of this exhibit has caused confusion and outrage amongst educators, historians, and other members of the community. Philadelphia residents seem to agree that the removal was a dangerous step towards erasing an important part of history. A protest regarding the removal was held at the site on January 28th.

“If you’re not uncomfortable in a history class, then you’re not learning,” said Holy Family University history professor Emily Wyatt. Regarding the removal of certain topics, such as slavery, from exhibits and school curriculum, Professor Wyatt added, “If you can’t give multiple perspectives, you’re not necessarily getting the full picture.”

Makayla Foley (Secondary Education-History, ‘29) gave me her thoughts on the exhibits’ removal. As a student and a future history teacher, Foley says, “History is not perfect or pretty, but that doesn’t mean we can cherry-pick what we teach or let people know about.” 

The exhibit at The President’s House Site described the general history of slavery, including details about Pennsylvania’s and Philadelphia’s history concerning slavery, as well as George Washington’s history as a slave owner and the stories of those he enslaved.

The executive order issued by Donald Trump earlier last year aims to reframe how and what history is presented and interpreted in museums, memorials, and historical sites all over America. The order claims that topics relating to racism, sexism, and oppression being represented in museums and education is causing division and, according to The White House, “Casting its founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light.”

All history matters, and citizens of cities all over America are making a continuous effort fighting to reinforce that message.

Katie Crompton is a first year history major and Contributing News Editor for the Tri-Lite at Holy Family University. She is expected to graduate in the spring of 2029 and pursue further education.