Saving places,
engaging people,
providing knowledge,
and creating experiences.

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 Reversal of the Washington Square West Historic District

On March 2, 2026, the Preservation Alliance expressed our surprise and disappointment by the recent ruling by the Court of Common Pleas to reverse the designation of the Washington Square West historic district.

We partnered with the Washington Square West Civic Association in 2023 to nominate this dense, mixed-use Center City neighborhood characterized by a layered streetscape of largely intact 18th- through early-20th-century structures that give the neighborhood significant value as representative of an important period in the development of Philadelphia.

March To-Do List

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