Submitted by Kate Tyler Wall
July 29, 2025
At a time when the Trump Administration is quickly altering public interpretations of history and removing references to the past on websites and public spaces, it is vital that historians keep track of what is changing. The Early Republic Tracker is dedicated to documenting instances where the federal government is removing facts and stories essential to the public’s understanding American history from public historical sites, museums, websites, and executive agencies.
Where/When did the changes take place?
- Happening currently at Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park
What changed?
- Displays at Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park that share historical information about slavery during the founding of United States have been flagged for a content review in connection with an executive order from President Donald Trump. “Materials within the President’s House Site, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, the Second Bank, Independence Hall, an outdoor wayside exhibit panel on Independence Mall, and a proposed redesigned exhibit, will be evaluated by the National Park Service for containing information that “inappropriately disparages Americans past or living,” according to internal comments, obtained and reviewed by The Inquirer, from one or more employees tasked with evaluating Independence Park’s exhibits” (quote from Philadelphia Inquirer).
Why does the change matter?
- Park employees will be forced to tell lies and present inaccurate historical information as part of their jobs. The many tourists who flock to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Philadelphia’s many other historical sites within the park will now not receive accurate or complete historical information.
Evidence of change?
Additional sources?
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