Bucks Co. Museum Condemns Philly Slavery Exhibit Removal

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The African American Museum of Bucks County is condemning the order by the Trump Administration to remove exhibits related to slavery at the President’s House site at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Officials at the museum — which is expected to open its permanent home soon in Lower Bucks County — issued a statement on Tuesday stating that they "unequivocally condemn" the action on Jan. 22 of the National Park Service dismantling and removing the exhibits.

"The African American Museum of Bucks County History cannot be erased," the statement read. "Whatever the reason was for removing the exhibits on slavery, to pretend that slavery never existed is nonsensical and helps no one, not even those who perpetrated slavery, because it did exist."

Bucks County and the nation is celebrating Black History Month in February.

The 15-year-old exhibit was removed following an executive order from the Trump administration to review "disparaging" historical displays.

The panels, which detailed the enslaved people owned by President George Washington, were dismantled, sparking protests and a federal lawsuit to protect the materials.

"Most people today agree slavery is bad," the museum statement continued. "We can only improve society when we remember history, the good and the bad. And we know that the Museum, its supporters, and society as a whole, will not allow America to regress. Even if a small minority tries to pretend otherwise, history will be remembered."

(Associated Press)