ACLU Critiques Trump Administration's Exhibit Changes in Harpers Ferry
Certain exhibits being removed from Harpers Ferry under Trump administration order
WOWK 13 News | Thursday, September 18, 2025
The ACLU of West Virginia has condemned the Trump administration's decision to remove references to slavery from exhibits at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, a pivotal site in the Civil War and John Brown's 1859 raid against slavery. This move, aimed at minimizing what the administration calls negative aspects of American history, has drawn criticism for potentially sanitizing crucial historical narratives, particularly affecting local communities. Park officials confirmed some changes were mandated, while ACLU leaders have expressed concern that such actions undermine informed civic engagement. Despite claims of changes, specific historical references, such as a photo depicting an enslaved man's scars, were not removed, according to the Department of the Interior.
