Carmen Russell-Suchansky

The National Park Service had already started putting back panels depicting the lives of nine slaves held by George Washington.

But Third Circuit Judge Thomas Herrmann issued a stay for while the administration's appeal moves forward.

The dispute stems from President Trump's executive order directing the removal of national exhibits deemed to, quote, inappropriately disparage Americans.

The city of Philadelphia sued after the display was removed last month.

Around half of the panels are still missing, and the first appellate hearing isn't expected until May.

For NPR News, I'm Carmen Russell-Suchansky in Philadelphia.

The National Park Service had already started putting back panels depicting the lives of nine slaves held by George Washington.

But Third Circuit Judge Thomas Herrmann issued a stay for while the administration's appeal moves forward.

The dispute stems from President Trump's executive order directing the removal of national exhibits deemed to, quote, inappropriately disparage Americans.

The city of Philadelphia sued after the display was removed last month.

Around half of the panels are still missing, and the first appellate hearing isn't expected until May.

For NPR News, I'm Carmen Russell-Suchansky in Philadelphia.

The exhibit sat by Washington's executive home.

President Trump had issued an executive order for Park Service to remove exhibits that, quote, disparage American history.

Philadelphia is suing for the return of the panels, which were paid for by the city and private contributions, rather than the federal government.

Mayor Sherelle Parker says the removal breached a cooperative agreement.

A federal court will first hear a request to stop the federal government from disposing of the panels before trial.

For NPR News, I'm Carmen Russell Suchansky in Philadelphia.

The exhibit sat by Washington's executive home.

President Trump had issued an executive order for Park Service to remove exhibits that, quote, "...disparage American history."