“We have, and will continue to, broaden the narrative, including sharing the stories of two members of his crew, Susi and Chuma. The museum is incorporating the views and experiences of others into its exhibition, too. “It’s important that his achievements – coming from an impoverished background, self-educating himself and having significant tenacity – are acknowledged, as well as these other traits and behaviours.”
We have, and will continue to, broaden the narrative, including sharing the stories of two members of his crew, Susi and Chuma. Grant hopes audiences will leave the museum both informed and ready to question preconceptions and idealised narratives around Livingstone. Grant Mackenzie (left) outside the museum with our team from the Heritage Fund The David Livingstone Birthplace museum – which launched a reinterpreted exhibition in 2021 following a £6.8million National Lottery-funded project – presents a balanced view, examining Livingstone’s successes as well as his conflicting traits and behaviours. This led to the continent’s invasion and colonisation, which saw huge amounts of land claimed by European powers. His records helped end the East African Slave Trade years after his death, but they also provided evidence that Africa was rich in resources. His legacy has had both positive and negative impacts. Grant MacKenzie, Director and Trustee at the David Livingstone Birthplace Our recent marketing campaign, Contradictions, is upfront about the inconsistencies in his story.
On the surface, David Livingstone appears to be a hero: an anti-slavery campaigner, well-respected explorer and one of the most celebrated British figures of the Victorian era.īut he was a contradictory character – a staunch slavery abolitionist, he also accepted help and supplies from the very slave traders he opposed. But the decision of his Birthplace museum to openly acknowledge that ‘other side’ of his story is proving a refreshing and positive experience for black audiences. The history of abolitionist David Livingstone is bound up with the painful realities of slavery and colonialism.
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