William Penn Statue Removal Proposal Withdrawn by Park Service

Monday, January 8, 2024, finds a model of William Penn's Slate Roof mansion on exhibit at Welcome Park in Philadelphia.Photo byMatt Rourke

The National Park Service's recent proposal to remove the William Penn statue at Welcome Park in Philadelphia has been abruptly withdrawn, sparking widespread controversy and subsequent reversals. Independence National Historical Park clarified that the proposal was released prematurely and lacked a comprehensive internal review. The statement assured that no changes to the William Penn statue were planned, although the reason behind the initial impetus to remove it remained unexplained.

The renovation plan encompassed the enhancement of Philadelphia's Native American history display and the revitalization of the deteriorating park's infrastructure, including hardscaping. However, the prospect of dismantling the William Penn statue incited a debate about interpreting the nation's history through its monuments.

Amid the contentious discourse, Pennsylvania's leading Republican lawmaker, Rep. Bryan Cutler, accused President Biden of attempting to "cancel" William Penn, denouncing it as an extreme ideological push based on a skewed historical perspective. Meanwhile, Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro claimed credit for the reversal, asserting his team's intervention in rectifying the decision with the Biden Administration.

Welcome Park, named after the ship that brought Penn to Philadelphia in 1682, stands on the site of Penn's demolished residence, the Slate Roof House. Penn's founding of Pennsylvania stemmed from a charter granted by King Charles II for vast territories in the late 17th century.

Andrew Murphy, a political science professor and Penn's biographer at the University of Michigan, highlighted potential objections to removing the statue, considering Penn's Quaker background. Quakers of Penn's era eschewed ostentation, favouring simplicity in attire, speech, and worship. Moreover, Penn reportedly rejected the idea of Pennsylvania being named after him, attributing the name choice to King Charles II's homage to Penn's father.

Murphy contemplated whether Penn would have endorsed a statue in his likeness, expressing uncertainty due to Penn's potential ambivalence toward such commemoration.

The controversy surrounding the William Penn statue touches upon deeper historical nuances and interpretations, inviting reflection on the appropriateness of honoring figures from the past and their own perspectives on enduring commemorations of their legacies.