International Slavery Museum at House of Commons
‘Moving Forward, Together’ - powerful presentations on future of the museum for Black History Month
National Museums Liverpool presented its groundbreaking plans for International Slavery Museum at the House of Commons on Wednesday 16 October.
A packed room at Portcullis House, heard about the journey so far at an event titled, ‘Moving Forward, Together’. From the museum’s humble beginnings, opening as a gallery in the basement of the Maritime Museum in 1994, to the launch of International Slavery Museum in 2007, and now its bold next chapter, a major redevelopment as part of the Waterfront Transformation Project.
The event, hosted by MP Kim Johnson as part of Black History Month, brought together other MPs, including Diane Abbott, David Burton-Sampson and Alison McGovern, government officials, and stakeholders across heritage, culture and education sectors, as well as community members who have had a key role in the project.
Michelle Charters, Head of International Slavery Museum said:
The redevelopment of International Slavery Museum, elevating its prominence and identity on Liverpool’s historic waterfront, is a significant step in recognising the city’s role in transatlantic slavery, but it is also important to share milestones on a national level too, and acknowledge this shared history.
Delivering our plans to a full room at the House of Commons was an uplifting experience. The presentations demonstrated the time for the museum’s revitalised purpose and role as a world leader in understanding and exploring the history and legacies of transatlantic slavery is now, and it was wonderful to feel that energy, support and engagement in the room.
Kim Johnson, MP said:
It was an honour to host dear friends and colleagues in Parliament as we celebrated the exciting future of International Slavery Museum. The major redevelopment set to take place is an opportunity to boldly transform the museum, creating a profound space for reflection and understanding.
It was particularly special that we celebrated this event during Black History Month as we could highlight the work of the museum, and its importance in fostering education, reflection, and change.
This year’s theme of ‘Reclaiming our Narratives’ provided us with an opportunity to think about how International Slavery Museum not only shines a light on a painful part of our shared history, but also how the museum presents us with a space for dialogue and learning about the ongoing impact of slavery and racism today.
I'm excited to see the museum grow and continue its invaluable work in shaping our understanding of history and inspiring action. I look forward to its sustained impact on education and cultural awareness as the only museum in the world dedicated to this crucial issue when it reopens in 2028.
Attendees to the House of Commons event learned how the International Slavery Museum - the first and only museum in the world, dedicated to transatlantic slavery - will be transformed both inside and out, with its new Entrance Pavilion, which recently received planning approval, creating an inspiring welcome and a powerful presence within Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock.
Plans for International Slavery Museum to be home to the National Centre for Teaching Black History were also revealed. The re-developed second floor of Dr Martin Luther King Junior Building will be dedicated to the learning outputs and outcomes of the Centre, developing understanding and learning opportunities around transatlantic slavery, colonialism, and empire. Claire Benjamin, Head of Leaning and Participation, also explored how the Centre will influence change across the UK by making the curriculum and museum learning more relevant to global majority children and young people, and more reflective of Africa’s global contribution.
Attendees were also given a chance to learn more about the Transatlantic Slavery and Legacies in Museums Forum. The room heard from Hope Ama Leslie, Project Coordinator about the first national network of its kind, aiming to share the latest discourse and create a narrative thread to fully represent slavery and its legacies in the UK.
Liverpool’s own Love and Joy Gospel Choir raised the roof of the House of Commons with rousing performances at the beginning and close of the event.