A series of events – held by Teesside Archives in partnership with Preston Hall Museum and Dorman Museum – have led to an increased public understanding of the slave trade and strengthened links between archives and the local community.
Run in 2007/08, the Manacles and Money project celebrated the parliamentary abolition of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. It's programme aimed to spark debate over whether slavery still exists, and raise awareness amongst groups who had not previously considered the subject and it's historical significance.
Community participation
To begin with, a project coordinator was appointed to ensure there would be strong community participation throughout and the local Karibou community group assisted too, providing a direct link to African heritage. Communities were then shown the ways in which slavery still exists in society, and taught about a range of other associated issues such as Fair Trade.
The project was well recieved, with a large number of people reached through the events and exhibitions. 55 workshops were also delivered to 1,470 pupils from 20 different schools, each introducing concepts of freedom and slavery to a range of age groups.
Improved understanding
One of the workshop attendees said: "I'd never really thought about slavery but I have learnt so much. The archives were really interesting, and the workshops were a lot of fun too."
In what was considered a ‘local coup', evidence of a sugar refinery in Stockton linked to abolitionists was uncovered through archival material. Three ‘slavery loan boxes' were also created for use in the exhibitions and at schools, each containing objects associated with slavery such as sugar, manacles and the manillas used to purchase slaves.
A film, Manacles and Money, was also produced, featuring interviews with local people which demonstrated the change in perceptions that had occurred as a result of community debates.
One visitor to the Slavery Here! exhibition said: "It's good to learn about this side of our history. I have definitely changed the way I view subjects such as Free Trade."
Professional development
The services of Teesside Archives, Preston Hall Museum and Dorman Museum also benefited from the project by building stronger ties with a range of different community groups. Consequently a greater awareness of relevant diversity issues has been developed, which will help shape any future workshops.
The project coordinator was pleased with the project's outcomes, saying: "it has highlighted the richness of diverse cultures, enabled the museum services to build its collections, changed perceptions and enabled links to be forged with the local African community."
For more detailed information on Manacles and Money please visit the case study section on the MLA research website