The new exhibition at the Treasure House in Beverley, Our Histories Revealed, opens on Saturday , 5 May.
This fascinating social history exhibition, a partnership project with the William Wilberforce Monument Fund, aims to uncover the often hidden stories of people of African descent in the East Riding.
The exhibition is part of the Africans in Yorkshire project – the aim of which is to reveal and record histories which have often been overlooked and make them accessible to the public.
For the last two years, through historical research, family stories and oral testimonies, the project team have explored and brought to life Black history in Hull and East Yorkshire.
Some of the many stories and lines of research that are shared in this exhibition include Black servicemen who were based in Cottingham, Filey and Pocklington during the Second World War, the activists and abolitionists who came to Hull and East Riding to speak out against slavery and to campaign for equality, Black sailors who settled and had families in Hull and the accomplishments of Black actors, entertainers, sportsmen and entrepreneurs in our area.
The exhibition will contain photographs, stories, archive documents and objects on loan from those involved in the project. There will also be a listening post containing oral histories and a study pack that can be downloaded or taken away.
Project Lead, Gifty Burrows, says of the project;
“The stories that are shared in this project challenge the misconceptions that Black presence has a brief history in the makeup of Britain and is a gateway to an honest view of history that includes all people – a history for all”
For more information about the Africans in Yorkshire project, and to read fascinating stories and listen to oral histories, visit africansinyorkshireproject.com
To complement the exhibition, there will be three events:
Exhibition First Look
Saturday, 5 May, Treasure House Education Room, 1 – 3pm
Drop into the Treasure House on the opening day of Our Histories Revealed and meet some of the staff, volunteers and members of the public who have been involved in the project.
The African Experience of Hull and East Yorkshire – Talk:
Tuesday, 8 May, Treasure House Education Room, 6.30 – 7.45pm:
Lead Researcher Dr Lauren Darwin will talk about the forgotten Black presence in this region from 1750 to 2007 by exploring themes such as entertainment, sport, religion, service personnel and family life.
£5 per person, booking essential, visit www.eastriding.gov.uk/events, call (01482) 392699 or book in Archives
Stories of People of African Descent in Hull and East Yorkshire – Study Day: Saturday, 12 May, Treasure House Education Room, 10am – 3.30pm
The study day will feature talks and presentations focusing on people of African descent who visited, worked or lived in the region. There will also be a behind the scenes tour of the Treasure House and an opportunity to view the exhibition. Tea and coffee on arrival. Bring a packed lunch or visit the café.
