Emancipation

[Soph0571]

I was visiting the National Museum of Bermuda this week and was under whelmed by the ground floor exhibits. All terribly white and British upper class (alongside the religious right wing nut jobs that have also plagued the history of America). And then I saw the stairwell. The story of Bermuda from discovery to present day. Of course I covered all that stairwell with my camera, however the most powerful images for me are those of slavery and eventual emancipation. I could have given you dozens, instead I give you these few that resonated the most with me.

I spent an hour on this stairwell.....











In 1998 I stayed with the first female black premier of Bermuda. Pam is the mother of one of my closest friends from Uni years, and every time (before this visit)I have visited Bermuda, I have stayed with 'family' and I never explored the history of the Island. This time with none of my Bermuda family on the Island I did the tourist trial. To see the history and know that Dame Pamela Gordon-Banks, in the last century, lead this nation is fucking remarkable. Emancipation indeed.

[MuseRider]

1. OMG

it would take hours just to look at everything happening in these pictures. What an experience that must have been. I have seen things that are historical and moving in other countries but never with any personal relationships around. It looks like the art of one person but maybe it isn't. Do you know who did these?

[Soph0571]

3. I don't know who painted it but it took six years!

[GemDigger]

2. So much to see in each picture.

Thanks for posting them Soph and welcome back.

[Soph0571]

4. *waves* love

Great week away but now I am going to bore everyone with piccis

[GemDigger]

7. Oh Please!!! More piccis. Never enough piccis.

Through your pictures, I see things I would never see.

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

10. Great cuz you post the most interesting stuff...

Keep it coming.

[Soph0571]

19. That is a great compliment!!!!!

Thank you so much

[Ohiogal]

5. Stunning paintings

Thank you for sharing! Too bad the museum didn't see fit to display these more prominently.

[Soph0571]

6. Empire lives in subtle ways

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. Omigod, my dear Soph, what an amazing group of photos!

I'm so glad you found these.

I had no idea about the history of Bermuda. These are riveting and sorrowful. Whoever did them was extremely accomplished, in both art and history.

And you NEVER bore us with your wonderful photos!

[Soph0571]

14. I had a great one of a dunking stool

But I can't find it

[CaliforniaPeggy]

20. Aw, that is too bad! I'll bet you'll find it one fine day.

[chillfactor]

9. WOW! powerful pictures!

Almost made me cry.

[Soph0571]

15. I did....

....the whole wall is awe inspiring

[byronius]

11. Gorgeous.

[Soph0571]

16. Thank you :-)

[flibbitygiblets]

12. WOW! Moving and powerful--thank you Soph!!

[Soph0571]

17. Soooo powerful

Thank you!

[iluvtennis]

13. Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[Soph0571]

18. Thanks for stopping by

And thank you!