Smithsonian removes slave ship timber

The United States — National Museum of African American History and Culture is removing a 33-pound timber piece from the slave ship São José-Paquete de Africa from its 'Slavery and Freedom' exhibit. This change is due to the expiration of a loan agreement with the Iziko South African Museum and the delicate conservation needs of the artifact. The timber piece, recovered in 2015, is a remnant of a Portuguese vessel that sank in 1794 off the coast of South Africa, carrying enslaved Africans. Other artifacts from the ship will remain on display for two more years. The museum's deputy director, Michelle Commander, clarified that this change is unrelated to an executive order signed by Donald Trump's administration in March 2025, which scrutinizes historical exhibits in the United States.