Charleston, South Carolina, September 22, 2025
News Summary
The National Park Service is evaluating exhibits in national parks like Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter following a directive from the Trump Administration that aims to influence the portrayal of American history. This review involves significant narratives about slavery and its impacts, raising concerns among historians regarding censorship. With deadlines approaching, the NPS has yet to disclose which exhibits are under scrutiny, and public feedback has been solicited at some sites. The ongoing situation continues to spark debate over historical representation and interpretation.
Charleston, South Carolina – The National Park Service (NPS) is currently reviewing several exhibits and materials amid a directive from the Trump Administration aimed at controlling how American history is portrayed in national parks. Most notably, many books that have been flagged for content perceived as negative about the United States remain available on the shelves of gift shops at Fort Moultrie, Fort Sumter, and the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. The review was mandated by U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum following a March executive order titled “Restoring Truth And Sanity To American History.”
Park staff have been instructed to identify any signs, monuments, and exhibits that might be deemed inappropriate or disparaging, with a report due by August 18. The final deadline for removing any content that does not align with the administration’s guidelines is set for September 17. As of now, the NPS has not disclosed which specific exhibits are under review or will potentially be removed from the parks. A Freedom of Information Act request has been submitted to the NPS for a full list of flagged exhibits, which is expected to take 21 to 60 days to fulfill, with an estimated completion date of January 26, 2026.
Among the works under scrutiny are significant narratives related to the slave trade and its impact on American society, including The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano and Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet A. Jacobs. While these texts are not yet removed, park officials have indicated that they are subject to the ongoing review process. However, exhibits acknowledging the ties to slavery, like “Remembering the People of Snee Farm,” are still on display.
Criticism against the review has been voiced by various historians and public figures, including Dr. Shannon Eaves and U.S. Representative James Clyburn. They argue that such measures amount to an attempt to sanitize history and censor dissenting viewpoints. In accordance with the directive from the Trump administration, signs soliciting visitor feedback regarding any negative perceptions of historical content have been positioned at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie. This feedback request is aimed at promoting a more positive narrative about American history while minimizing discussions around aspects that are deemed unfavorable.
What remains unclear is how the NPS plans to act upon any visitor feedback received. There has been an ongoing trend of simplifying or omitting the narrative on slavery and its consequences from educational resources within South Carolina, raising concerns about the true representation of history at these significant sites. Fort Moultrie itself holds historical importance, having served as the site of Fort Sullivan during the American Revolution and playing a crucial role in events leading to the Civil War.
Key Implications of the Review
- Potential removal of historical exhibits that provide critical perspectives on U.S. history.
- Increased scrutiny of visitor feedback concerning historical content.
- Ongoing controversy among historians and lawmakers regarding the role of such reviews in shaping public understanding of history.
FAQ Section
What is currently under review by the National Park Service?
The National Park Service is reviewing several exhibits and materials amid a directive from the Trump Administration aimed at controlling how American history is portrayed in national parks, including significant narratives related to the slave trade and its impacts.
What is the deadline for removing content that does not align with the administration’s guidelines?
The final deadline for removing any content that does not align with the administration’s guidelines is set for September 17.
Who has criticized the review process conducted by the National Park Service?
Criticism against the review has been voiced by various historians and public figures, including Dr. Shannon Eaves and U.S. Representative James Clyburn, arguing that these measures are attempting to sanitize history.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Exhibits Under Review | Exhibits and narratives relating to slavery and its impacts. |
| Review Deadlines | Report due by August 18; removal deadline by September 17. |
| Visitor Feedback | Signs asking for visitor perceptions are posted; actions on feedback unclear. |
| Public Criticism | Historians and lawmakers express concerns over censorship and sanitization. |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Fort Moultrie History Erasure
- Lucky Dog News: Friends of Charleston National Parks
- ABC News: Man Charged in Hit and Run
- Count On 2: Fort Moultrie Dock Replacement
- Wikipedia: National Park Service
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