National Parks to Remove Slavery Exhibits

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. Joe.My.God. has a gift link to the Washington Post article.

NPS To Remove Slavery Exhibits At Multiple Locations
September 15, 2025

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Read the full article. Gift link here.

WP EXCLUSIVE
National park to remove photo of enslaved man’s scars

The Trump administration is ordering the removal of information on slavery at multiple national parks in an effort to scrub them of “corrosive ideology.”

Updated
September 15, 2025 at 5:55


“The Scourged Back” shows the scarred back of escaped slave Peter Gordon in Louisiana, 1863. (McPherson & Oliver/National Gallery of Art)

By Jake Spring and Hannah Natanson

The Trump administration has ordered the removal of signs and exhibits related to slavery at multiple national parks, according to four people familiar with the matter, including a historic photograph of a formerly enslaved man showing scars on his back.

The individuals, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak with the media, said the removals were in line with President Donald Trump’s March executive order directing the Interior Department to eliminate information that reflects a “corrosive ideology” that disparages historic Americans. National Park Service officials are broadly interpreting that directive to apply to information on racism, sexism, slavery, gay rights or persecution of Indigenous people.

Following Trump’s order, Interior Department officials issued policies ordering agency employees to report any information, including signage and gift shop items, that might be out of compliance. Trump officials also launched an effort asking park visitors to report offending material, but they mostly received criticisms of the administration and praise for the parks.

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Separately, Park Service officials have ordered the removal of a photograph illustrating violence against slaves, known as “The Scourged Back,” at one national park. The photograph, taken in 1863, shows scars on the back of a man probably named Peter Gordon from wounds inflicted by his masters before he escaped slavery. … The photo was circulated widely at the time, and Northern audiences were shocked at what the photo showed, said Anne Cross, a scholar of 19th century photography at Bowdoin College Museum of Art.

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By Jake Spring
Jake Spring covers the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Interior and Congressional energy and environmental policy. Send him secure tips on Signal at jspring.99follow on X@jakespring

By Hannah Natanson
Hannah Natanson is a Washington Post reporter covering Trump's reshaping of the government and its effects. Reach her securely on Signal at 202-580-5477.follow on Xhannah_natanson