National Park Service Reinstalls Signage on Slavery at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA - The National Park Service has reinstalledsignage at Independence National Historical Park examining the legacy of slavery at the site. The signage was removedon January 21 as part of a broader directive from the Trump Administration to "review" signs and exhibits at national parksand national monuments that come in conflict with Trump's executive order"restoring truth and sanity to American history". The city of Philadelphia quickly suedthe federal government to restore it, citing breach of a cooperative agreement.

The interpretive display, located at the President's House Site at the park, depicts individuals who had been enslaved by George Washington, along with a timeline detailing the history of slavery in America. Washington and John Adams both resided at the site during their presidencies.

In response, Gerry James, deputy director of the Sierra Club's Outdoors For All campaign, issued the following statement:

"Today's news is a powerful affirmation that truth cannot be hidden and history cannot be rewritten. The Trump Administration's efforts to undermine the mission of our public lands to educate and unite us will not stand. We must continue to tell the full story of our nation - its triumphs and tragedies alike - and our national parks and historic sites must be part of this story.

"Last week's rally was a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Commemorating the people enslaved by the first U.S. president means saying their names - and in doing so, restoring the humanity and dignity that slavery sought to erase: Austin. Paris. Hercules. Christopher Sheels. Richmond. Giles. Oney Judge. Moll. Joe. When we speak their names, we affirm they were not footnotes in history, but people whose lives deserve to be remembered."

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org.