On October 22nd and 29th, 2025, Summerlee Museum proudly hosted a Talk & Tour as part of North Lanarkshire’s Black History Month celebrations. The event invited members of the public to explore the region’s historical connections to the Transatlantic Slave Trade and engage in meaningful conversations about representation and cultural heritage.
Led by Janiece Ndoye, Engagement Officer at the museum, the talk highlighted the importance of embracing ethnic minorities’ lived experiences in the process of decolonising museum narratives. This approach ensures that world collections are reinterpreted through authentic, truthful contexts rather than outdated colonial perspectives.
The decolonisation project was funded and supported by Museum Galleries Scotland and North Lanarkshire Council. A key element of this initiative was the contribution of community researchers, whose cultural insights and personal perspectives enriched the storytelling process. Their work provided evidence-based narratives that humanize the objects on display—connecting artifacts to real lives and histories.
The event sparked thought-provoking discussions, with attendees asking insightful questions that led to a guided tour of the museum’s current exhibitions. Participants were also given a sneak preview of four new exhibits set to launch in March 2026, which was met with enthusiasm and curiosity.
These upcoming exhibits will feature new interpretations of:
· Drumpellier Iron Gate
· The Weaver’s Loom
· The Sugar Melting Pan
· The Garnkirk Vase
In addition, the World Collection display cabinet will celebrate Black and Asian cultures, showcasing vibrant artifacts that reflect the richness and diversity of these communities.
The Talk & Tour was more than an educational experience: it was a step toward correcting historical narratives and giving BAME voices the platform they deserve. By introducing the researchers behind the work, the event emphasized the human stories that bring museum collections to life.
As Summerlee Museum moves forward with these changes, the goal remains clear: to create spaces that are inclusive, truthful, and representative of all cultures.
We welcome you to Summerlee Museum to be part of the celebration on Monday the 16th of March: 4pm to 6pm.
Enquiries: NdoyeJ@Northlan.gov.uk