What Dismantling Slavery Exhibit on Independence Mall Really Means
National Park Service workers used crowbars and wrenches last week to dismantle exhibits that mentioned slavery at the President's House at Independence National Historical Park. It took 90 minutes to remove the signs honoring nine people enslaved at this home by President George Washington. The city immediately filed a lawsuit demanding the exhibits be reinstalled. We knew this was coming; we just didn’t know when. Under an executive order issued by President Donald Trump last year, material at national monuments, museums, and parks that “inappropriately disparage Americans” were slated for removal. At the time, host Trenae Nuri spoke with the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, historiographer of the global African Methodist Church. Until last year, he was the pastor at Mother Bethel AME Church just a few blocks away. In light of last week’s events, today we’re listening back on that conversation.
Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly
Call or text us: 215-259-8170
We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly
You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.
Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Why You’re Breathing Hard, Slavery Exhibit Secretly Swapped & Parallel Parking Contest
It’s hot, hazy, and hard to breathe outside, so check Breathe Philly for the latest air quality conditions in your neighborhood. Also, th...

Philly’s Mexican Food Renaissance
A Mexican food renaissance is happening in Philly. Chefs at restaurants like Amá, Condesa, and Sor Ynez are telling stories of culture th...

The Deals, Delays & Drama in Harrisburg
After nearly two weeks of negotiations, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a state budget. A $50.8 billion deal – sending more money to s...

Where Were You for the Microbursts? Plus: July 4th Hotel Boom & MLB All-Star Game Preview
The National Weather Service confirmed four microbursts hit the area on Saturday causing downed trees, building damage, and flooding. So,...

Where to Swim in Philly This Summer
Need to cool down this summer? How about swimming with horses or running through a Wissahickon-themed sprayground? The Philly region has...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Does Philly Have a ‘Perfect’ Airport? — Presented By City Cast Philly
There’s lots to love about Philly, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livabilit...

Epstein's Penn Connection, Mosque Damaged in Attack & Freedom Fuel Opens
Philly takes center stage as Freedom Fuel, the cheap gas stations promoted by President Trump, opened in the city this week. Executive pr...

Could SEPTA Be Your Next Landlord?
It's no secret that SEPTA is in need of stable, long-term funding. But the divided state legislature hasn't been too keen on allocating m...

Can the DSA & Democratic Establishment Co-Exist in Philly?
Lauren Rinaldi’s ascension to the No. 3 position in the city Democratic committee was seen as something of an olive branch to progressive...

July Fourth Flop? PECO Strike! And LOVE Park Saucer Gets Revamp
Did the Fourth of July semiquincentennial celebrations fall flat, given the too-hot and then too-wet weather, a cancelled parade, and pri...

