This week, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore the \u201cFreedom and Slavery\u201d exhibit at the President\u2019s House on Independence Mall. The deadline to comply is today.<\/p>\n
On Thursday morning, National Park workers began restoring the glass panels at 6th and Market. By mid-day 16 of the 34 panels were back in place. The exhibit once again tells a fuller story of George Washington\u2019s time in Philadelphia, including the fact that he enslaved nine people while living here.<\/p>\n
The National Park Service had dismantled the exhibit on January 21st, to comply with a presidential executive order calling for the removal of federal displays that \u201cdisparage\u201d Americans, past or present. The City of Philadelphia sued the same day, setting off a legal battle over how \u2014 and whether \u2014 this history should be told.<\/p>\n
On Thursday afternoon, supporters celebrated the partial restoration as a win \u2014 but warned it may be temporary. The Trump administration has appealed the ruling and is asking a higher court to pause restoration of the site pending the appeal.<\/p>\n