City Cast Philly logo
January 26, 2026

What Dismantling Slavery Exhibit on Independence Mall Really Means

City Cast Philly

What Dismantling Slavery Exhibit on Independence Mall Really Means

00:00:00
View all City Cast Philly episodes

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

Hey Philly

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
May 15

Waymo Comes to Town, Fetterman Votes for War & Philly Drinks for America’s 250th

It's the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk through whether City Council has the power to regula...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 14

Goin’ Down the Shore: A Beginner's Guide to the Jersey Shore

It’s that time of year when Philadelphians are making their summer plans. And that means it's time to book those weeks and weekends down...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 13

Tuesday’s Election: A Noisy Congressional Race & a Quiet Mystery Contest

The 2026 Pennsylvania primary is next week, on May 19. Do you know what’s on your ballot? Host Trenae Nuri runs through what you’re votin...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 12

What's in Philly's Smoke Shop Drugs?

Chocolate bars like Polka Dot Mushroom Magic Blend and tablets like Ms. Molli Cule’s have a few things in common: You can get these over...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 11

Golf is Changing: Here's How to Experience the Sport in Philly

After over 60 years, the PGA Championship ー basically the Super Bowl of golf ー is back in the Philly area. The professional men's champio...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 10

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment

It's a big year for Philly! This summer, the city is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists coming to town for World Cup games...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 8

Mayor Parker Signs Anti-ICE Bills, Congressional Candidate Under Fire & Knicks Fans Attempt Takeover

It's the Friday news roundup. Catch up on the controversial 'no' vote that State Representative Chris Rabb, a 3rd Congressional District...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 7

Why These Philly Parks Got 1-Star Reviews

Philly is giving its neighborhood parks some TLC this weekend with the start of Love Your Park Week. Running from May 9 through 17, this...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 6

'Why Are We Closing Schools That Work?' Councilmember Critiques District Schools Plan

A heated Philadelphia School Board meeting ended in a 6-3 vote, which approved a $3 billion facilities plan that would close 17 schools a...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
May 5

Why Philly's Sidewalks Suck

It seems like a crack in the sidewalk or broken curb should be an easy fix. However, in Philly these issues get complicated because it is...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art