This project focused on Richmond-Upon-Thames’ built heritage by exploring the borough’s links with the slave trade through investigation into the funding of large houses such as Ham House and Marble Hill House.
A research intern was recruited from a BAME (Black Asian Minority Ethnic) background to work on project research and inform the content of an education programme, an exhibition and the new learning resources. Outreach sessions involved the local community, particularly targeting BAME residents in exploring Richmond’s links to the slave trade. A one day conference was held for teachers to learn how to build a more diverse approach to local history into the classroom.
A schools resource pack was then produced, along with a three month exhibition held at Orleans House, accompanied with a new heritage trail. An additional strand linked this project to Richmond, Virginia in the USA to widen the story and show the slave trade’s international scope.
The project had five main aims:
- To explore the slave trade through the Abolition Bill and its legacy in a specific local context, making links with BAME communities in Richmond
- Carry out research into the borough’s links between historic buildings, landmarks, personalities with the slave trade, employing an exhibition Intern during the project
- Work in partnership with their twin town Richmond, Virginia USA to examine slavery in an international context
- Show a range of project outputs, including the creation of a film by exploring the use of dance in the 18th century; hold an exhibition and a teacher’s conference with accompanying learning resources.