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Copyright ©2001-2013 by the Independence Hall Association, electronically publishing as ushistory.org.
The IHA is a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1942.
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This is one of the most inaccurate and amateurish national historic monuments. It is a travesty. Morris was a financial giant. He and Hamilton saved the country, and indeed built it, through financial management. Yes, there was slavery and Hamilton regretted it. But this exhibit doesn't tell the fundamental story. Really, its a sad and unsophisticated apology for slavery, and not at all a museum about the significance of the house in world history. Shame.
anonymous [01-13-2013]
Two years after this monument's opening, it just looks worse and worse. The non-stop televisions blaring away, even when there's nobody around. Cheap-looking materials. And 10 times more space devoted to Slavery than to our first two Presidents. It is a disgrace and an embarrassment. What a waste of our tax dollars!
Linda Miller, Conshohocken, PA [01-13-2013]
I believe that the House should be restored and it is a good place, although I have never seen it.
John Adama, Walnut, CA, USA [11-29-2012]
Thanks for the Mother Africa perspective on what was, at the time, simply what one did if one was a member of that particular class. Get over it! If you own slaves now, you should be ashamed; if someone owned them 200+ years ago, get over it. Enough with the guilt, please.
anonymous [08-31-2012]
President Washington's Mount Vernon VA house has been restored and is open for tours. I wonder why the house in Philadelphia was razed and when that was done. How could Philadelphia get rid of such an important historical home?Alice [8-22-2012]
John Adams left the Philadelphia President’s House in 1800 and moved into the White House. It was converted into a hotel, and later was divided into stores with a boardinghouse above. By 1832 (the centennial of Washington’s birth) there was confusion about even where it had stood. That year it was sold to a hardware merchant who gutted the house, building 3 narrow stores within its Market Street frontage. The original 4-story side walls, party walls shared with the adjoining buildings, survived. But even the merchant’s son, who gave an 1875 lecture on the house, didn’t realize this. The property remained in the merchant’s family until the 1930s, when one store was fully and another partially demolished.
By the time National Park Service architect Charles E. Peterson began researching the house in Spring 1947, it was (mistakenly) assumed that all that survived of the main house were its foundations. Peterson included a 14-page plea for the importance of the President’s House in his December 1947 Report to Congress, the historical case justifying the creation of a national park centered around Independence Hall. The President’s House site was outside the original boundaries of the national park. Independence Mall was created as a Pennsylvania state park, with the intention that the 3 blocks be deeded over to the national park when its 40-year construction bonds were paid off. (That happened in the 1990s.) The State ignored pleas to allow an archaeological dig at the President’s House, and demolished its surviving walls in 1951-52.
The 2007 archaeological dig proved that much more of the house remained than anyone expected. Although the dig was limited to the “servant spaces” between the main house and the Liberty Bell Center, curved foundations of Washington’s Bow Window, an ancestor to the Oval Office, were uncovered. It also established that the kitchen had a cellar, and even a root cellar below that cellar floor.
The President’s House was lost because there was confusion about exactly where it had stood and how big it had been, because the land became valuable as commercial property, and because there was no tradition of preservation of historic buildings.
On this, the 4th of July, I took my family to the President's House to learn about Washington, Adams, and Philadelphia as the national capital. But there was nothing patriotic, uplifting, or fair-minded about what we found there. Rather than a celebration of the first two presidents or even an impartial listing of their accomplishments, there was a general negativity bordering on outright dishonesty. Washington was a slaveowner; Adams was not; yet they are treated with similar disrespect at the site. Slavery was a small part of what happened there, and wallowing in victimhood about it is a self-indulgent dead-end. Tear down this biased and shameful memorial, and build one that all Americans can be proud of.
Sam Smith, Skippack, PA [07-05-2012]
Today our class visited historical Philadelphia for our class trip. Our visit to the President's House has us all curious out the footprints walking towards Market Street. Can anyone explain them to us? I am not sure if this is the correct place for questions. Thanks.
phyllis novick, medford lakes, nj [05-22-2012]
All I wanted to ask the capital is how did George Washington live in a domicile as a house and that make`s that a house for all president`s?Or is that house just for George Washington I just was wondering about that.
romez, cleveland ohio [04-25-2012]
The President's House memorial is an unqualified embarrassment.[articles.philly.com/2012-02-29/news/31111167_monitors-video -screens-australian-firm]A failed physical design that looks sad and incomplete (did the house burn to the ground?), video screens that constantly malfunction (who thought that they would work outside, uncovered?), a glass box covering the archeology that continually leaks (incompetent design or shoddy workmanship?), and an anti-white bias in the interpretation (were the Founding Fathers no better than criminals?). Mayor Nutter boasted of 68% minority participation in this project. He must be very proud.
Brian Dunbar, Philly [03-03-2012]
Happy President's Day. How unfortunate that this is the one most significant presentation the Park makes to our first President, in the place where he took command of our Colonial Army, shepherded the Federal Convention to success, and served most of his presidency. Washington is a difficult, multi-faceted man, hard to project to us in the 21st century. This fails.
STILL DISAPPOINTED [02-21-2012]
The President's House is a political statement disguised as a memorial. It is little more than a grievance piece that blames White people for the evils of the world. George Washington owned slaves, therefore nothing he did as President is important, even his freeing of those slaves. In other words, the memorial is designed to teach race hatred. Over time it will become an embarrassment to this city and this nation, as more and more people see it for what it is.
CitizenX, Philadelphia, PA [11-01-2011]
Great idea but it's a mess now. Nothing working. This is an insult to the individuals the house is to honor. How much did it cost us taxpayers?. Who designed it? Please let us know so we can avoid them in future. Arty Pike, Philadelphia
anonymous, Philly [10-28-2011]
I have visited the site and thought it was fantastic. As a professional archaeologist, I was very impressed with the site's ability to share archaeology and the past with the public. I was pleased to see part of the excavation left in situ and the near 3D effect of the house. The plaques were very helpful to provide context for the excavation as well as relevant historical information. I hope that this site can serve as an outstanding example of public archaeology and an informative, enjoyable stop for visitors in Philadelphia.
Kristin Swanton, Palmyra, NJ [10-16-2011]
The President's House is broken? The Curse of Washington! It was a bad design from the start, with a lopsided focus: Slaves. Choice of architect was all wrong. The Brothers and Sisters were in charge, and hijacked a whole national monument. This is what you get when political correctness runs the show. Now, it's falling apart? Karmic justice. Let this abortion of a project continue to rot.
Thom, Philadelphia, PA [09-26-2011]
This is what you get when you squabble for years and years, keep the process secret, and cave into political pressure ... you end up with a little bit of the Presidents and the Executive Branch, and a whole lot of Slavery.
The physical design on its own is, frankly, an embarrassment. It looks cheap because it is cheap, no matter that it cost $12,000,000. I can't imagine such a poorly-conceived-and-executed project in such a prominent site in any other major city in America.
anonymous, Philly [09-08-2011]
Very unbalanced. Too much about slavery and the blacks and not enough about the development of the protocols and culture established by the Executive branch thar still persists today at te White House. Something should be said about how the National Park Service screwed up in not preserving this important historic site.
Roger Whiteley, Hellertown, PA [09-03-2011]
This was the White House of John Adams as well as George Washington. Adams was not a slaveowner, so why is he barely mentioned at the President's House? Why does he not appear in any of the videos? And why is the interpretation of Washington only about slavery? Shouldn't the first and second Presidents of the United States get as much attention as 9 slaves?
Neil Goldberg, Newton, Mass [08-12-2011]
Let us address the 1st problem. WHY is there a reproduction of the historic house? Where is the original? Sooo sad we cannot tear down the many eye sores in CERTAIN parts of the city, We r a disgrace! Remember where slavery came from! It was the order of the times just as the ENGLISH ships brought the slaves over, consider their constant abuse of we Irish Catholics,not too many shouts of Foal about that is there? No, just get over it and make a better life, as they did in this country, but NEVER BACKED down here or the homeland. Its called a backbone. Get over it!
Irish America, Phila. Pa. [07-22-2011]
I visied The Presidents House on 7/8/2011.I was EMBARRESSED that this was the best that my city could do.You couldn't hear the video because of the noise of the traffic.You couldn't see the screens because of the sun. And there is no relief from the blazing sun. So much for trying to attract tourist.
anonymous, Philadelphia Pa [07-20-2011]
Many, years ago! I was at one of the protests at 5th and Market that helped to usher in the truth about George Washington. Thanks to Mr. Coard and others who were so instrumental in this. The truth must come to light and I don't think it takes away anything but enhances the rich, vibrant history that is America.
Kalonji, Philadelphia, PA [07-15-2011]
Thank your for presenting history accurately, in all it's messiness. George Washington engaged in the buying and selling of human beings, and that needs to be known. Those nine people he enslaved had lived, wants, needs, loves, yet were never free to own themselves. We all knew that George Washington felt it was wrong to tell a lie. But to own other humans,..well, not so bad. Also, acknowledging the histories of African Americans, takes nothing away from Euro-Americans. It's all American History. And why should the descendants of slaves fear mentioning the enslavement of their ancestors b/c it may offend the sensibilities of someone whose skin is white. It really makes no sense. Tell the truth, accept it, learn from it, and let the chips fall where they may.
anlyztht, nj [07-05-2011]
I am very proud to call me self American. I am from Am. Samoa. Thank God when they found out people were all creation of God they end slave. But I agreed we should not abolished anything that is our history good or bad.
Faalelei Faumuina, Raeford NC [06-27-2011]
It is painful to read these comments. It is even more painful to admit that some of the criticisms are true. This is the first memorial to enslaved ancestors. It should have been done with more care. Please fix it. The last thing America needs is a monument that can be automatically discredited by its own flaws.
Elizabeth Vance, Bensalem, PA [06-08-2011]
Defective. Divisive. Deceitful. Derisive. Disgraceful. Debacle. Demolish.
George Marshall, Philadelphia [06-08-2011]
What a muddled mess! Half the video screens were not working, the foot level audio was incomprehensible, and the overall message of America's evil compact with slavery overwrought. I get it already... beat me over the head, again... no again. Did any President's live here or was it a place that only revisionist history can reside? What a missed opportunity to heal, teach and make our shared history relevant.
anonymous [06-05-2011]
I attended today's meeting of the Philadelphia Cultural Alliance at Independence Visitors Center. Afterward, I visited the President's House Memorial, and came away appalled and concerned. Only 3 of the 5 video screens were working, and 2 of the remaining were unwatchable because of sun glare. The last had a big blot blocking the center of the screen for much of the video. Problems with ALL 5 SCREENS at once? How can a BRAND NEW cultural attraction--opened December 2010--be in this condition? Were the screens defective to begin with and, if so, why hasn't Independence Park demanded replacements? Nothing screams "incompetence" to visitors like broken equipment, and the screens facing the sun seem to have been poorly installed. This all needs to be fixed by the 4th of July, before it becomes a national story.
Appalled, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania [06-03-2011]
Dawn Rutschmann [06-01-2011]
This has got to be the LAMEST monument in America. Cheesy, clunky, and clueless; the slave quarters looks like a giant outdoor SHOWER. The glass cube over the archeology is the best part, but even that's STOLEN from NYC's Apple Store. The rest is B.F.UGLY!
Class of 2005, Temple U. [05-17-2011]
what is the cost of admisssion and what hours are you open??
anonymous [05-07-2011]
I was happy to see that finally SOMETHING has been acknowledged in regards to the slaves of the President's House but extremely disappointed with the end product. For $12 million dollars I think the makers were more concerned with lining their pockets and destroying the effort. No one really cared. I think the whole thing is a set up to generate negativity and ill feelings just for a reason (documented) to have it removed. Despite the pain I feel (I'm accustomed to it but it still hurts, deeply) when people speak on something they will never understand, I do agree that as a vital element of American History, there should have been a little more "presidential" stuff included. Unless funds are raised to re-do this OPPORTUNITY Philly had and fouled up, it'll probably get demolished due to negative reviews. I'm just glad it's there for history sake. Oh yeah and as for that $12 mill, look at it as a payment towards the wages of the 9 slaves' OVER-earned NO-COME. (Just kidding Mr. IRS-USA Man). hehehe...LOL
Knock It Off, Brooklyn, NY [05-05-2011]
9 Slaves versus 2 Presidents of the United States?--that is the question. Rather than choosing between them, the National Park Service should have done justice to both. Slavery is important and is part of the history of the site. But it is not the only story, and it is not the one that HAD to be told at the President's House. As a kid, I used to honestly think that race relations were improving over time. What a moron I was. I now realize that as long as people profit from an activity, they'll keep right on doing it. The President's House is a form of Federal subsidy for bad behavior of the most sickening kind.
Jon Thompson, Willow Grove, PA [05-01-2011]
My problem with the President's House is that it rewrites history in such a simplistic way as to recast America as an evil, corrupt monstrosity that needs to be railed against by a pure and moral world. Everything here is Black and White, both in terms of lack of moral complexity and in its presentation of heroes and villains. It is consciously racially-divisive, conceived along the lines of "You've had your mythology; now it's our turn!" George Washington was a slaveowner? Therefore he is unworthy of admiration, respect, or even a fair recitation of his accomplishments as President of the United States. John Adams was not a slaveowner? Therefore his accomplishments as President are unimportant since they don't advance the ideological goals of this memorial. Hercules was enslaved in this house? Therefore he was a genius, the best chef in America, and a moral saint (notwithstanding his abandonment of his children).
Clint Walker, Philadelphia, PA [04-28-2011]
You people need to SHUT UP and stop your bellyaching! The President's House is built and it's not going to change. Telling the truth about our enslavement is more important than ANOTHER monument to George Washington. If anything the exhibit doesn't go far enough in showing how it was. God bless Mayor Street, Mayor Nutter, Michael Coard, and ATAC for making this happen.
Crystal M. Graves, Germantown [04-19-2011]
I visited the site before it was renovated, and after it's completion. I didn't get a chance to see everything, therefore I plan to make another trip. The architecture, reenactments, and history is superb!
Monique, philadelphia, pa [04-12-2011]
I wish I could say I am surprised, but I am not by the right wing drivel that serves as people's thoughts about the site. The site isn't anti or pro anything. What people are feeling is their own sense of shame. Nowhere did I see anything that said "slavery bad". It would have been shameful to place the "Liberty" Bell at the site of the first 2 Presidents' House and NOT include the fact that slaves were the caretakers at this site. There is no judgement being made except in peoples own minds. It would be hypocritical to have the site not mention that slaves were held at the very site where "freedom for all" supposedly was represented, and by the very peole who claimed to represent this "freedom for all" Some white people keep whining that someone is "throwing slavery in their faces" when it seems to me that the acts simply were what they were. They don't have to be presented in a judgemental way, the judgement comes from those who bare witness. Accept that these great "forefathers" were flawed men who supported an institution that some seem ashamed of and others find abhorrent. It is what it is.
Kevin R., Northern Virginia [04-08-2011]
What a complete disgrace. Do you even understand what you have done here? The NPS is a left wing, anti-american cult. Look at the thoughts of people from all over the country; including this fine summary from Steven Warshawsky (American Thinker) Instead, the overall thrust of the exhibit is, much more narrowly, to emphasize the Liberty Bell's ties to various civil rights movements for minorities. In keeping with how history usually is presented these days, the exhibit often seems to be rebuking the nation for its failures in the past to fully live up to the message of the bell's inscription, especially with regard to the treatment of blacks, Indians, and women. The Liberty Bell, as presented in the exhibit, apparently has little relevance to a middle-class white male like myself, except as a tool to scold me and my presumed ancestors for our wrongdoing against others. Perhaps I was viewing the exhibit through too sensitive (or too "conservative") eyes. But I did not see much reason there, for a person experiencing the Liberty Bell today, to embrace the bell as a symbolically meaningful piece of American history. On the contrary, the cold and uninspiring manner in which the Liberty Bell is displayed, and the overtly critical approach taken by the exhibit in presenting both the history of the bell and of the nation, in my opinion robs the Liberty Bell of its former ability to generate strong feelings of national pride and love of country. After all, how can one feel pride in a country that, according to the exhibit, has so deeply sinned against humanity? I can't help but feel that the Liberty Bell exhibit reflects a tragic, and ultimately ruinous, decline of patriotism in this great country. The exhibit is based on the perverse notion, increasingly common since the 1960s, that the highest form of "patriotism" is feeling shame for the past and protesting against the present. Truth be told, I am not surprised by this. This is what is happening in schools, colleges, newsrooms, and television and movie studios all across the country. Nevertheless, it is terribly sad to see such a cherished icon brought low. I dare say that even minorities today are unlikely to see the Liberty Bell, now denuded of any connections to a glorious American past, as a symbol to guide them, and us, towards an even more glorious future.
Michael, Downingtown PA [04-08-2011]
The President's House would be more popular with young people if it weren't so negative. We get it -- Slavery, BAD! The archeology is really cool, but rather than boring videos and signs with tons of small print, this site could use a tour guide standing by as other landmarks in the area have. All Americans should be aware that for 10 years Philadelphia served as the nation's capitol, and of the fact that this was the first Executive Mansion. President Washington and President Adams gave State Dinners here, stood for ceremonial occasions, worked in the Cabinet Room, and invited ambassadors from around the world. Those are the things that teens want to hear about. Washington's Slave Quarters is just a small piece of the incredible history of America's original White House. The real story is still left to be told.
Isabella DelBuono, Age 14, Bridgeport, PA 19405 [04-05-2011]
I saw the architects' models at the National Constitution Center several year ago, and at that point the house was going to be the memorial to the Presidency and the slave quarters the memorial to the 9 slaves. I guess that wasn't enough, since now the whole property has been turned into a slave memorial, crowding out George Washington and John Adams, not to mention Robert Morris and Benedict Arnold. This is a disgraceful decision, made behind closed doors. In terms of historical significance, the Presidents are what visitors will come to the house to see, not a celebration of reverse racism. This liberal bait-and-switch was funded by $12,000,000 in American tax dollars. It should be torn down immediately, and the National Park Service officials responsible should be fired.
Daniel Robinson, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania [03-30-2011]
Watching John Adams documentary and it is unclear to us whether the Washingtons left the Philadelphia 9th St Residence in disrepair by taking everything --- or if slaves took things out and somewhat trashed the place.
Carol Risley, The Villages, Florida [03-22-2011]
I went back to the site on a recent weekend morning, taking photos and watching how visitors moved through the exhibits. The visitors seemed to wander through the site, focusing on maybe one or two panels, usually looking down into the exposed foundations. None spent more than a few minutes, and none looked at any large portion of the structural elements (or panels). None went into the 'memorial' cube. They followed no consistent route. Though some expressed or seemed to feel an emotional impact, I doubt anyone gained a better understanding of what this space represents in our country's early history. I must admit, I've spent time here on 3 occasions,and it is still a miserable jumble to me. The layout is confusing and lacking in direction. The panels are over-written badly misdirected. I feel I have learned much more from following the controversies over the site than I do from the site itself. On the day the site opened, NPS rangers were on-site handling out a booklet about the site and exhibits. That helped. Two weeks ago, no ranger was there but the booklets were available in the Visitor Center. Last visit, no ranger, no booklets in the Visitor Center. My over-all impression is that the execution of this project falls far short of the site's opportunity. Even an introductory sign - outside the structure's walls - with a summary of issues and an invitation to explore would go a long way. I am glad for what I learn at this site. I am even more glad that I had a basic understanding of the presidency 1790-1800 before stepping inside, because I would get a very limited and slanted view if I had no other source of information.
Disappointed [03-17-2011]
I went back to look at the President's House again -- the first time since the opening in December. All the videos were working, but I was struck by how manipulative they are: not so much anti-Slavery as specifically anti-George Washington. It was like having the primary focus of Bill Clinton's presidential library be Monica Lewinsky's blue dress. It would be dishonest to "define" Clinton's whole presidency by his marital infidelity; it is dishonest to define Washington's whole presidency by his slaveowning.
David A. Moyer, Philadelphia, PA [03-15-2011]
they stole us! they sold us! they owe us! reparations now!
anonymous, Yeadon, PA [03-14-2011]
I think it's deplorable that this site has been exploited for one purpose instead of including ALL relevant history, and such a rich and interesting history at that. Slavery is a huge part of that and should have a prominent place in the translation, but not the only place. Shame on you. The people responsible for interpreting this site have FAILED to responsibly educate the public about all the rich historical aspects of this site. As someone with a small foot into the museum world I am disgusted.
Ashley Barnes, Falls Church, VA [03-14-2011]
There still is real racism in this country, and when someone uses it as a ploy to get one's way, it hurts everyone who does experience it. The President's House should have been racially neutral, a place for education and understanding, not an opportunity for fingerpointing and political muscle-flexing.
Susan Berk, Downingtown, PA [03-09-2011]
The President's House is revisionist docu-drivel, trashing the very white men who FOUNDED the FREE country that allows modern historians to trash their every foible. That's gratitude for you! LIBERALS' standard, tired viewpoint is that everyone is but a sum of their skin color or minority status. Telling the whole TRUTH doesn't fit the template for the National Park Service, so this memorial plays to the most ignorant race baiting, YET AGAIN. The hypocrisy continues until this day, when so many speak indignantly of slavery LONG ABOLISHED, and yet care NOTHING about the BILLIONS who remain enslaved to tyrants. Focus on the injustices of the present, not on self-indulgent and politically-correct fantasies of the past.
Mary Jane Francis, Kill Devil Hills, NC [03-05-2011]
Hello i wrote to wachovia bank for compensation for slavery its not a joke this timethis what i told them...... African Americans, vs. Wachovia bank ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Case No.: No. 0302 2011 PLEADING TITLE We the African Americans Especial the black man was stripe of every glory God gave him, Our Religion our culture Hebrew aromatic languages We as a nation a people taking compensation of the slave trade, your company record show doing business with slave traders an merchants, giving them insurance policy on slaves it is a unspeakable crime against humanitie we the children of slaves parents demand, payment what well appease both party if your company refuse to pay, you shall be deem with millions of dollars in fine an your license to operate be suspend or revoke thank you I pray. Dated this 2nd day of March, 2011
oneal sappleton, Atlanta Ga 30313 [03-04-2011]
The President's House is OFFICIAL PROOF of how George Washington EXPOLITED BLACK PEOPLE. I support the call from Min. Farrakhan for REPARATIONS for 400 YEARS of wrongs done to us & SEPARATION from the wrongdoers. If this was good for MOSES and his people then it's got to be good for all BLACK people. This is not hate just the TRUTH.
Aquil, Camden, NJ [02-24-2011]
We need to find a way to move beyond the politics of identity and resentment. The President's House Memorial is an understandable reaction by Philadelphia's Black community to massive bad faith by the National Park Service, which for decades omitted African Americans from the narrative at Independence National Historical Park. But creating a national monument built on grievance and pseudo-history is intellectually indefensible and a spiritual dead end. Virtual erasure of George Washington and John Adams from any meaningful interpretation at the site of their own "White House" for the substitution of a fantastical portrayal of Washington's enslaved is similarly disingenuous. Are the ancestors avenged? If so, at what price? The conflict over who "owns" history will continue, but catering to either extreme is unsustainable -- destined to end in anger, ridicule and disillusionment.
What an opportunity for racial reconciliation and understanding! Squandered.
Rebecca, Moraga, California [02-23-2011]
The fact is that these slaves were NOT written out of History, as is evidenced by all the information presented in the exhibit. It is hardly bad practice for history courses to concentrate on the most important events and people. I doubt that the life story of Washington's cook is of major importance to most people, even historians. His significance ONLY comes from being associated with Washington, rather than any outstanding achievement of his own. But the events and accomplishments of Washington and Adams ARE IMPORTANT, and this should have been the place where their Presidencies were interpreted. That the National Park Service did not do so in any substantive way is unbelievable. Did NPS not notice that the name of the site is THE PRESIDENT'S HOUSE?
Randall J., Tinley Park, IL [02-17-2011]
Washington believed so much in indivual freedom he had bounty hunters chase one of the escaped enslaved Africans into Canada. Oney Judge escaped when she was 16, the sexual exploits against her and others while in Mt. Vernon and probably while in Philly can not be excused. ACKNOWLEDGE THE PAIN AND SUFFERING HE CAUSED THESE PEOPLE.
Bob, Grays Ferry [02-07-2011]
Through their designs, architects can bring people together or keep them apart. My wife and I visited the observation deck for the archeology many times. It was a forum for discussion and a spot where visitors of all colors could stand shoulder to shoulder to actually view the contradictions in our history. There was great value in this -- in a small way, it helped to mend the national fabric.
Because of their authenticity, the house's foundations have an emotional power that is almost palpable. Unfortunately, none of the rest of the physical design is convincing or compelling, lacking depth and professionalism. And we found the videos and mean-spirited and divisive.
Knowing the messy truth about our first president's slaves is better than glossing it over, but surely George Washington's role in American History was as more than a slave master! That's all visitors will learn here. That he and John Adams spent their presidencies in Philadelphia is an honor no other city can claim. This should have been an enormous boon to the city, but the enormous potential and good will of observation deck was squandered on a President's House exhibit that preaches more than it teaches, and is, ultimately, a failure.
Jerry Hoffman, Cherry Hill, NJ [02-07-2011]
I visited the site opening day. Having watched the digging and monitored the development (and its controversy), I find the results disappointing. It is a jumble of architectural and interpretive elements that lacks cohesion and direction. The central focus should have been the house and its many important occupants through Philadelphia's early years. Sadly, Independence still lacks an appropriate commemoration of the beginnings of America's presidency. The result here is a disappointment and a terribly lost opportunity.
Disappointed [02-04-2011]
I have not yet but will take my class in the near future when the weather is more friendly. It appears most commentaries here are negative. Is it because non Blacks don't choose to face historical truth? This is the history of the U.S. and can not be re-written or ignored. It is the white elephant and whites have to face it whether they like it or not. No one complains when Jews continue to tell their story and no one should.
luci g ryan [01-28-2011]
I found it impossible to concentrate on reading the wall panels because of the constant talking in the videos. The volume was much too loud, and the noise echoed off the brick walls. Even the solemnity of the slave quarters was ruined by non-stop talking. Can this be fixed? It really distracted from the experience.
Stephanie Goetz, Bala Cynwyd, PA [01-25-2011]
I would like to visit the site with my class on feb 14. is it possible?
deborah Willis, new york, new york [01-23-2011]
Black people in the past of the world were here before Christopher Columbus got here. The history books lie about Black people. My people did not get off any boat brought over by Europeans. We were killed by their nasty sickness, 1000's of Black people died when the White man step on these Americas. Black people were already here. So my history is not that one of slavery, it's one of discovery and invention, but you won't hear or read that at the President's house. So always question anything White people say. It's not that many of them. They got to stick together and they got to lie. We owe them nothing and they owe us EVERYTHING THEY HAVE. They had a history now it's our turn. Two things they do well and that's lie and steal.
anonymous, Woodbury, NJ [01-22-2011]
I don't understand why the fact that Washington and Adams lived on the site is a story AT ALL. They were government employees, not gods. They had to live someplace. So what? Putting them at the center of the story is itself a distortion. I saw the President's House for the first time this past weekend. Liked it a LOT more than I thought I would. I'm sure there are many stories still untold about the site, but the complexity of the two layered stories, in my opinion, is an example of public history that, finally, is more than one dimensional platitudes. So, hooray for this effort!
Mark E. Dixon, Wayne, Pennsylvania [01-17-2011]
Why can't you mention the Founding Fathers WITHOUT mentioning slavery? Slavery is alive and well today in Africa and the Middle East, but ended in America over 140 years ago. Why can you not talk about the men who founded this country without mentioning slavery?
Lee [01-15-2011]
There isn't any address on your home page....exactly where are you located. A site map is fine, but a map of where you are located would be helpful !
anonymous, Philadelpha [01-13-2011]
The importance of the President's House is that it was the President's House, the White House of George Washington and John Adams. Not that Washington owned slaves while living there, or that the house contained slave quarters. Many homes of that era contained slave quarters, but we don't erase their histories to teach only about slavery. It's a perversion to ignore the real history of the President's House for the sideshow that it has to be all about the slaves. What do the Presidents even have to do with it anymore?
Matt Birnbaum, Wynnewood, PA [01-12-2011]
This memorial needs a new subtitle. "The President's House in Philadelphia: .. Revising History to make you feel good." .. Telling it like it wasn't." .. Smearing Dead Presidents." .. Political Correctness on Steroids." .. Wasting 12 million in taxpayer dollars." This site could have been an absolute tourist GOLDMINE! Congratulations, Philly, you really shot yourself in the foot.
Martin Solomon, Boston, Massachusetts [01-12-2011]
Looking at this exhibit strictly from a quality perspective, it is a failure. Pandering to the Racism Industry does not attract visitors, quite the opposite, it repels them. Americans are plenty tired of attempts to demean American accomplishments by having as a prerequisite for any and all exhibits -- ad nauseum -- an apologia for American slavery. Museums are suffering from a lack of visitation, and the politically-correct devotion of the curatorial class is largely responsible.
Michele Schiesser, Fredericksburg, Virginia [01-06-2011]
When I was there, I called this an embarrassment. Who's idea was it to put some weak actors on some cheap TVs to try to pull at your emotions? That's an editorial, not an impartial exhibit. You couldn't trust visitors to form their own opinions by just reading some plaques hanging on the wall?
Lee, Philly [01-05-2011]
The National Park Service should highlight the entire history of the President's House, not just the fact that George Washington kept 1% of his slaves here. Tell us about William Penn's grandson, tell us about General Sir William Howe, tell us about Robert Morris, tell us about John Adams (it was his White House, too).
No one feels worse for the plight of the slaves than I do, but a Slave Memorial needs to be built in the right venue (IMO Washington, DC). This is arguably the most historic spot in Philadelphia, and all of the country for that matter. It deserved much better than to be pigeon-holes as a slave memorial.
Joe Smith, Philadelphia [12-31-2010]
The President's House looks like a McMansion under construction, and I predict it will be gone in less than 10 years. I would have preferred to see an estimated reconstruction that could have served as a museum and a piece of urban eye candy for the void Independence Mall leaves in the cityscape. Philadelphia had the opportunity to create a cash cow as significant as the Betsy Ross House, and we ended up with what will fast become a national joke.
anonymous, Philadelphia, PA [12-31-2010]
I have not visited the site. This article is the first I've known of the museum. It seems very informative. Is there any book or other place where the articles on the walls can be read? I appreciate the unique nature of the museum and it seems very important that the information it contains be widely available to the public.
Shirley Johnson, Santa Clara, California [12-29-2010]
I have not visited the site, but will do so. I read a critical article in The NY Times and visited your history page. How did Adams staff in his occupancy? Could be an interesting contrast between his way of life and that of Washington. The Adams tenure seems to be slighted.
anonymous, Indianapolis, IN [12-29-2010]
The President's House Memorial is a debacle. It would have been better off as an actual replica of the building.
Argonne, Phila., PA [12-29-2010]
I think it's a shame since everything could have been done better. I love that area and the historic places, but the President's House is nothing but a monument to political correctness--that is not what America stands for. You cannot judge the 18th century by 21st century standards.
Ariadne8, Philadelphia [12-29-2010]
The house was evil. Onee Judge was raped in this house and the others were beaten and tortured. Slavetrader George Washington was a monster. Thats the truth that everyone needs to hear. Thanks to all the brothers and sisters who made this be and praise the Lord.
Earl Hicks, West Philly [12-25-2010]
Let me state for the record that I think Robert Venturi's "ghost houses" are inspired -- but that's because the architect understood that they would function in context. If you did not approach them by first walking through an archway in a reconstruction of Franklin's Market Street properties, which provided the "wall" for his courtyard house, they would look discordant, not surprising. (Or through that narrow alley off Chestnut that offers only a hint of what you're about to see.)
The other reason it's inspired is because no physical record survives of what Franklin's house actually looked like. There are no illustrations or architect's drawings; all the architect had to go on was the floor plan, dimensions, and some basic descriptions of the place. Those metal frames, then, express the house that isn't there and could never be again.
By contrast, we know a good bit more about what the President's House looked like, and the memorial partly reflects what we know. The problem is that these architects had no context to work in, all that having been eliminated in 1955 by the creation of Independence Mall, and they didn't really understand that it was context that made the ghost houses work. Had they gone all the way with a full reconstruction, it would have been better; had they gone the opposite direction and done nothing other than erect a display case for the dig, it would have been better.
MarketStEl, Washington Square West [12-21-2010]
OH, MY GAWD!
I went by Independence Mall today and took a look for myself. WHAT A HOT MESS! It's like a bad suburban house! Within 25 feet there are THREE flat screen TVs mounted above fake fireplace mantels. Each TV is blaring its own narrative and on top of that there are speakers in some of the knee walls, each with their own recording.
I couldn't tell what was coming out of the wall speakers because the TVs were too damn loud! Two TVs were definitely too close as well. It was sheer cacophony! I couldn't get out of there fast enough!
Geez, Louise all you need is hard-of-hearing grandpa in his LazyBoy rocker and some plaid couches and the picture is complete!
Seriously, someone needs to get the designers over there pronto and figure out how to salvage this embarrassing mess.
Phillyurban8, Philly [12-21-2010]
After visiting the site today, my first thought was, "THIS cost $12 million?" Seriously! Somebody's pockets got very well lined getting this sham of a project built.
PhilaDweller, Philadelphia, PA [12-21-2010]
What a waste of money. video panels broken already.
anonymous, philadelphia pa [12-20-2010]
Will never visit site. Will actively campaign to boycott site, smearing Washington's magnificent legacy. Overtly political, anti-white and biased. Witnessed hostility of "opening ceremony" by black activists in conjunction with Nutter. This is a very big mistake which Philadelphia will come to regret. This is offensive, political and historically inaccurate. School children should not be forced to go to the hideous exhibit.
jeffrey -member National History Honor Society, Philadelphia PA [12-20-2010]
For what was completed as a final result, turns out to be more than a waste of time. A waste of taxpayers money. A waste of resources. Given the givens we can only expect no more than what was completed. Or for that mater planned in the first place. A simple plaque to commemorate the edifice at the Independence Mall would have sufficed. Plus saved most if that 12 million.
anonymous, Boston, Massachusetts [12-16-2010]
The truth must be told and this is just a eye opener the real truth is concealed to protect caucasians. Blacks must know that the slaves were not on vacation and this memorial should be upgraded to show the real treatment that the slaves got in slavery.
Eddy [12-14-2010]
I am a researcher for the Chickasaw Nation. I provided some of the information to Chickasaw Historian Richard Green for his entry on Chief Piomingo visiting George Washington at the President’s House in Philadelphia in 1794 which is on your webpage. In corresponding with John Winkler who is writing a book on the Arthur St. Clair's 1791 campaign in Ohio, he gave me another bit of history connected to your location. One which lead to the end of the Long War between the Chickasaws and Shawnees. Here is the book at quote that is quite interesting: You will find in John Sugden, Blue Jacket (Nebraska U. Press, 2000), 213-215 how the immemorial war between the Chickasaws and Ohio Indians ultimately ended. The Shawnee chief Blue Jacket and Piamimgo accidentally ran into each other while separately being given tours of Independence Hall in Philadelphia in late November 1796. Embarrassed because they couldn't fight, they separately asked the Americans to mediate an end to the war, the original reason for which had been forgotten centuries before. Mitch Caver
Mitch Caver, Baldwyn, Mississippi [11-29-2010]
The President's House memorial has turned out to be a sad and inept affair -- it looks as though the building burned to the ground. Much as I agree that something had to be done about marking the place of Washington's slaves, as the "White House" for 10 years and 2 presidents, it was an important part of the early Republic. This should have been a place to make every American proud. The whole thing now has little or nothing to do with the first two presidents or the Executive Branch, and seems exclusively an anti-slavery memorial. It is very unfortunate that the project didn't allow for both. Most visitors will leave the site feeling hoodwinked and resentful. Twelve Million Dollars in taxpayer money down the drain.
titus, Philadelphia [11-26-2010]
eric [09-22-2010]
That Washingotn is recognized so highly despite his deceitful mannerism is incredible. Honoring the enslaved who lived in the President's house is the commendable thing to do.
Zulma Gonzalez [07-06-2010]
Samuel Fraunces was a BLACK MAN! That is a proven fact. Dr. Charles Blockson has researched this and those who disrespect him and his important work are vile racists.
LeeRoy Hicks, West Philadelphia [06-29-2010]
was norman washington a offspring of washington nornan was born 1784 on mount vernon and was a free slave
robert stape, ohio [05-20-2010]
Please open attachment and let talk and work together Thank you http://www.facebook.com/pages/TOWER-OF-RETURN-MONUMENT-PROJECT/171470624544?ref=ts
Nana Kweku Egyir Gyepi III, We need to link with Cape Coast Ghana for more information together [05-09-2010]
RE: Proposed Exhibit Plan for the President's House Exhibition There are five panels that discuss slavery, and only one that discusses the importance of the early presidency. I understand that slavery has historically been marginalized as a serious topic of research and discussion. However, this is a very important site in the early history of the Republic, and to focus only on the slavery question diminishes the overall importance of the President's House. There needs to be a balance of all histories to truly make this an interesting and valid commemoration. To skew the discussion so much in the name of recognizing slavery in our history simply tips the scales in a different direction, and fails to recognize that there are so many facets of our history that are worthy of investigation and discussion.
anonymous, Rose Valley, Pennsylvania [05-04-2010]
I am very impressed with this outstanding exhibit. It fills in thousands of missing pages of history. It honors the ancestors who were never given the opportunity to tell their story. Many cemetaries are filled with stories of people who made tremendous contributions in helping to build America. Those people were faithful, honorable human beings. I believe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Truth Crushed to earth Shall Rise" The nine enslaved African Americans did not die in vain as a result of this Exhibit. I am proud to be a member of Avenging The Ancestors Coalition.
anonymous, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania [05-03-2010]
It must be told that these nine captives were descendants of highly literate people of the Songhai Empire. Songhai was a huge area, larger than Europe in West Africa made up of university cities, iron and steel factories, world class medical and legal schools that was invaded by the Europeans in March, 1591. The Songhai people buried hundreds of thousands of their books in trunks just prior to the invasion that were recently dug up and photographed by the Smithsonian Institute and shown in its magazine December, 2006. It would be criminal for the anticipated millions of visitors to the President's House not to know that the ancestors of the nine captives were descendants of people of world-class literacy and science.Numerous books and articles have been written in awe of the wisdom of the 16th Century heads of Songhai universities, in their prediction that the Christian and Muslim captors would lie to the world that they had captured ignorant, illiterate savages. Predicting this, those heads of Songhai buried the proof of their world-class literacy and science, hoping that one day, we, their children would find them. The homes of the Songhai people were beautiful with porches, made of polished stone. El Bekri a historian declared that their buildings were of the highest beauty. Historian Leo Africanus wrote " . .. that here in Timbuktu (this was 80 years before the invasion)there are a great store of doctors, judges, priests and other learned men, bountifully maintained at the king's cost and charges. And hither are brought divers manuscripts or written books out of Barbary, which are sold for more money than any other merchandize,There are numerous other historians who lived just before and after the invasion whose books have come down to us telling the sadness they felt about the disasters they witnessed. Two of these historians were Abderrahman es-Sa'di and Mahmud Kati. Their books were obtained by France in 1911 and 1912. I was commissioned by Phila. School Superintendent Paul Valla to write the curriculum for the district in 2006. I, theefore have the expertise to created the posters and pictures needed to tell the true story of who the ancestors of Oney, Hercules, etc.really were. I am one of the founding members of ATAC. Please contact me on this matter.
Dr. Edward W. Robinson, Jr., 219 E. Cliveden St. Phila., PA 19119 [05-03-2010]
hay i would like to recieve thing from the president about washington dc or about wat he does he has inspired me, in a lot of ways he has strived to make my country a better place and I thank him for that. but i want things maybe sent in the mail from the president if that would'nt be a problem. if it is not a problem than my adress is [removed] it is kind of a school thing the reason I need this. but please try to send these to me. if it is not a problem free of charge i hope . i am only 15 years old and I to want to become the president of the united states.
D.C., yazoo city [01-22-2010]
Deanna Collins [01-22-2010]