Historic site at Harpers Ferry potentially facing showdown over displays pertaining to slavery, considering concealment or removal
In a controversial move, the U.S. Department of the Interior has issued an order from the Trump administration to remove or cover up signs and displays at Harpers Ferry National Historic Site that highlight the suffering of enslaved people. The National Weather Service, located in Bolivar, West Virginia, preserves buildings and exhibits related to the 1859 raid on the federal armory by abolitionist John Brown. The raid, led by Brown with the objective to obtain weapons to arm enslaved people and begin a war to end slavery, is at the heart of the site's interpretive array. Visitors to the park on Tuesday expressed opposition to the idea of covering up or hiding historical information. A man visiting from Pennsylvania stated, "Don't cover up what we may need to know and don't hide what you think we shouldn't know." A visitor from Chicago echoed similar sentiments, saying, "There were terrible things that happened and we should feel terrible about it. And to cover it up and hide it? I'm sorry, I just don't agree with it. I don't." Historian Alan Spears of the National Parks Conservation Association expressed concern that half of the story of the enslaved may soon be hidden. Spears stated that the exhibits at Harpers Ferry National Historic Site also tell of the hardships endured by those whom John Brown aimed to free. He further voiced frustration about potential ideological bias in the Trump administration's targeting of Smithsonian exhibits. As of Tuesday, there was no visible work to cover or remove any displays at Harpers Ferry National Historic Site. The park service has been contacted for comment, and an update will be provided when a response is received. No information is provided about any potential impact on the exhibits at Harpers Ferry National Historic Site due to the Trump administration's actions, nor is there any information about any actions taken by the Trump administration regarding the exhibits at Harpers Ferry National Historic Site. The White House has issued an order for the National Park Service to remove or cover up signs or displays that disproportionally emphasize negative aspects of American history or historical figures. However, no specific Smithsonian exhibits have been identified as targeted by the Trump administration.
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