ICYMI: Boyle Announces Legislation Protecting American History Following Censorship at Independence National Historical Park
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) announced new legislation to protect American history from censorship by the Trump administration. Speaking from Independence National Historical Park, located in his district, Boyle announced the introduction of his Protecting American History Act, which would require the slavery-related displays removed from President’s House by the Trump administration to be permanently restored, as well as protect all historical displays at Independence National Historical Park from political interference and censorship.
“The Trump administration's decision to remove slavery-related exhibits at Independence National Historical Park was wrong. We are the United States of America,” said Congressman Boyle. “We don't censor our history, and I am not going to allow the Trump administration to start censoring our nation's history. So federal legislation is clearly needed.”
Boyle’s Protecting American History Act requires the National Park Service to restore Independence National Historical Park exactly as it existed on January 21, 2026. This includes restoring all signage, interpretive panels, and exhibits that were present as of that date. The bill would also prohibit NPS from making any additions, removals, destruction, or interpretive changes of any kind at INHP without prior approval from Congress. Boyle was joined at today’s announcement by Rev. Dr. Beth Hessel, Executive Director of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, and Sean Connolly, Executive Director of the Arch Street Meeting House.
“The President's House Memorial Exhibition reminds us that our goal as Americans is to continue to seek to perfect our union through humility, perseverance, and the holding fast to the rights, humanity, and liberty of every person who has come before us, who is here now, and who will follow us,” said Rev. Dr. Beth Hessel, Executive Director, the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. “So, thank you, Congressman Boyle for bringing this legislation to the United States Congress.”
“Thank you, Congressman, so much for introducing this very important legislation to restore these exhibits,” said Sean Connolly, Executive Director, Arch Street Meeting House. “Visitors to our historic district deserve to see the unadulterated version of their country's history. Furthermore, visitors of all backgrounds deserve to see themselves represented in exhibits at our historic sites. Our visitors can handle this messy, to some uncomfortable, history because without embracing it, how can we ever truly understand the lessons of the past?”
###