Commemoration of the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade

Museums, archives, libraries and other cultural organisations across the East Midlands are organising events and activities throughout 2007 as part of the commemoration of the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

 

MLA East Midlands and Renaissance East Midlands are supporting a range of activities across the region. The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland has developed an exhibition that is moving around the county.  It traces the local links to slavery and the abolitionist movement and also looks at modern day slavery.

 

Nottingham Castle is transforming two of its flower beds, one to replicate the image of the Wedgwood Slavery Medallion and the other will feature plantation crops such as sugar, tea and cotton. In Northamptonshire, Rothwell Arts and Heritage Centre is commemorating the life of John Smith, a Rothwell born missionary who was executed in Demerara for supporting the slaves against their owners. A last minute reprieve from the British Parliament arrived too late to save him.

 

Lincolnshire Heritage Services is working with Bishop Grosseteste University College and local Afro-Caribbean communities to research the county's connections with the slave trade throughout history to the present day.  Evidence uncovered will generate events and activities across the county.

 

For more information about all the organised events and activities download a copy of the leaflet below.  Hard copies of the leaflet are available from Ruth Stockdale on 0116 285 1368 or email Ruth.

Bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade leaflet (785 kb)