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February Advocacy Update: Federal Judge Orders Restoration of President’s House Exhibits

In a significant development, a federal judge has ordered that the interpretive exhibits at the President’s House site at Independence National Historical Park be restored, ruling that their removal violated legal protections governing the site. This decision marks an important step toward ensuring that the site continues to present a full and truthful account of our nation’s founding. The federal government has appealed this ruling, meaning the case will move to a higher court and the ultimate outcome remains uncertain.

Statement on Removal of Exhibits from INHP’s President’s House Site

On January 22, 2026, the Preservation Alliance condemned the removal of the President’s House exhibits at Independence National Historical Park. These exhibits, on public view for the past 15 years, told the story of the nine individuals enslaved by President George Washington. They were the result of a long, hard-fought endeavor to tell the full story of Philadelphia during its time as the nation’s capital and the home of two U.S. presidents, a pivotal decade in American history.

Photo Credit: Emma Lee/WHYY

February To-Do List

Explore preservation events around Philadelphia with our monthly To-Do List!