Interpreting a history of enslavement: Global perspectives

INTO’s RISE programme is now well underway, bringing together INTO member sites and staff with a shared professional interest in the history of enslavement. In 2022, we’ll be stepping up those collaborations as we move towards in-person meetings at INTO Dundee 2022 and PastForward.

Already, we are witnessing fantastic new conversations taking place between leaders of heritage organisations.

Across the Caribbean, North America, West Africa and the UK, heritage leaders have expressed uncertainty on how to talk about the story of enslavement from an international perspective. RISE looks to address this deficit.

The RISE group gives participants the connections and knowledge to meaningfully interpret the history of enslavement for local and international audiences.

In this blog we bring you an insight in to the programme straight from one of our participants – the Bermuda National Trust.

Bunce Island

"This work is about treating heritage as an intangible process in which we make conscious choices to combat racism and support community healing, as opposed to perpetuating heritage as fixed, exclusive or traumatising"
- Dr Charlotte Andrews, Bermuda National Trust

Sharing experiences

Dr Charlotte Andrews is Head of Cultural Heritage for Bermuda National Trust (BNT). Bermuda National Trust is committed to reinterpreting the heritage under it’s care related to the enslavement, resistance and empowerment of Black Bermudians and others of African descent.

International learning through RISE plays an important role in that process.

Whilst anchored by physical sites, RISE is about people at its heart, honouring history, promoting inclusivity and leading change.

"This work is about treating heritage as an intangible process in which we make conscious choices to combat racism and support community healing, as opposed to perpetuating heritage as fixed, exclusive or traumatising"
- Dr Charlotte Andrews, Bermuda National Trust

"This involves being honest and open about where we are and choices made in the past. By acknowledging the work to be done, and undone, we hope to contribute to the structural change needed and build trust with the community."

In monthly meetings, discussions have focussed on how to talk about enslavement at historic sites –

"Our RISE cohort is exchanging invaluable experiences and best practice. Sessions so far have focussed on appropriate uses of language and marketing, and we’re exploring new topics every month. Inspiration and knowledge shared by our African, European, North and South American and Caribbean peers can be applied to Bermuda’s unique heritage and community."

Bermuda National Trust site Jeffrey's Cave signage at Spittal Pond

Leading Change

Critically, this learning is already leading to operational changes.

Jeffrey’s Cave—an African Diaspora Heritage Trail and UNESCO Slave Route site at Spittal Pond Nature Reserve—is the first BNT site to be reinterpreted.

Responding to concerns from the public about the original signage, the Trust researched and revised the interpretation in collaboration with RISE and the Bermuda community. Replacement signage is now in place with other sites in consideration for reinterpretation.

“Over time and with thoughtful heritage processes in place, BNT will also be reinterpreting and reimagining other major sites of enslavement, resistance and empowerment. Like heritage and its management, interpretation is an ongoing process that should involve community participation, reflect social change, and respond to collective needs.”

For all the latest from RISE, subscribe to our newsletter.