Philly Suburbs Seek to Join Lawsuit Over Slavery Exhibit Removal

Counties around Philadelphia aim to intervene in city's lawsuit against federal government over Independence Mall exhibit.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties have filed a motion to join Philadelphia's lawsuit against the Trump administration over the removal of educational panels at the President's House Site on Independence Mall that shared information about nine people enslaved by then-President George Washington. The suburban counties argue they are "uniquely positioned" to provide valuable insight on the importance of maintaining honest and inclusive representation of history at these nationally significant sites.

Why it matters

The removal of the slavery exhibit has prompted allegations of "whitewashing" history and claims that the federal government violated a 2006 agreement with Philadelphia that requires consultation on changes to sites within city limits. The suburban counties joining the lawsuit signals a broader regional effort to preserve the full historical record and ensure all community members can engage with the area's complex past.

The details

In January, National Park Service employees removed the exhibition that shared information about nine people enslaved by George Washington when he resided at the President's House site. Philadelphia officials allege this action violated a 2006 cooperative agreement between the National Park Service and the city that requires federal consultation on changes to sites within city limits. The suburban counties argue they can provide valuable insight on the importance of maintaining honest and inclusive historical representation at these nationally significant locations.

  • On January 22, 2026, National Park Service employees removed the slavery exhibit from the President's House Site.
  • On February 10, 2026, the suburban counties filed a motion to join Philadelphia's lawsuit against the federal government over the exhibit removal.

The players

Richard Womack

Chair of the Delaware County Council, who stated "Our history is imperfect, but it is ours, and the federal government can't rewrite it or ignore it the moment they find it inconvenient."

Jamila Winder

Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, who said "Instead of whitewashing our history, we should be taking action to ensure that all members of our community, no matter their backgrounds, can live the American Dream. We must stand firm on our convictions that our history makes us stronger, better, and braver."

Philadelphia

The city that filed the original lawsuit against the Trump administration over the removal of the slavery exhibit from the President's House Site on Independence Mall.

Trump administration

The federal government entity that ordered the removal of the slavery exhibit, which prompted the lawsuits from Philadelphia and now the surrounding suburban counties.

National Park Service

The federal agency that physically removed the slavery exhibit panels from the President's House Site, in violation of an agreement with the city of Philadelphia.

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What they’re saying

“Our history is imperfect, but it is ours, and the federal government can't rewrite it or ignore it the moment they find it inconvenient.”

— Richard Womack, Chair of the Delaware County Council

“Instead of whitewashing our history, we should be taking action to ensure that all members of our community, no matter their backgrounds, can live the American Dream. We must stand firm on our convictions that our history makes us stronger, better, and braver.”

— Jamila Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners

What’s next

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania will decide whether to allow the suburban counties to join Philadelphia's lawsuit against the federal government over the removal of the slavery exhibit.

The takeaway

This regional effort to preserve the full historical record at nationally significant sites in the Philadelphia area signals a broader push to ensure inclusive representation of the past, even when it includes the uncomfortable truths of slavery and racial injustice. The suburban counties are standing with the city to defend the integrity of the region's shared history.