Federal judge rules no damage to President’s House Site, confirms slavery exhibit panels were not damaged

A federal judge has confirmed that the slavery exhibit panels from the President’s House Site on Independence Mall in Philadelphia remain intact, following a personal inspection of the dismantled materials. U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe toured the secured storage facility where the panels are currently held and reported no significant damage, though she noted some markings whose origins were unclear.

The panels, which document the lives of enslaved Africans who lived and worked at the executive mansion during George Washington’s presidency, were removed by the National Park Service, sparking a legal battle over their fate.

The lawsuit, filed by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration, challenges the federal government’s authority to alter or remove interpretive materials at the site. Advocates, including Michael Coard of the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, criticized the handling of the panels, describing their storage conditions as neglectful and disrespectful.

As the legal proceedings continue, Judge Rufe has barred further changes to the site.