The National Archives has been awarded a £1 million grant by Lloyd’s Register Foundation for a groundbreaking new research program on the transatlantic slave trade. The program, called PASSAGE (Partnership for Transatlantic Slavery Scholarship, Archiving and Global Exchange), aims to bring together the expertise of scholars and the resources of both The National Archives and Lloyd’s Register Foundation to shed light on one of the darkest periods in human history.
The transatlantic slave trade was a brutal and shameful chapter in human history, where millions of African men, women, and children were forcibly taken from their homes and sold into slavery in the Americas. The effects of this trade are still felt today, and it is essential that we continue to explore and understand this dark period to ensure that it is never repeated.
With the generous grant from Lloyd’s Register Foundation, PASSAGE will facilitate collaboration between scholars and archival collections at The National Archives and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, as well as other partner institutions. This program will enable researchers to delve deeper into the complex and painful history of the transatlantic slave trade, using a wide range of resources and perspectives.
One of the most significant aspects of this partnership is the joint effort to digitize and make accessible historical records related to the slave trade. This will allow for a more comprehensive and global understanding of the trade, as well as providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. By making these records available, PASSAGE hopes to create a more accurate and inclusive narrative of this dark period in history.
The National Archives holds a vast collection of documents related to the British involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, including ship logs, slave registers, and plantation records. These records provide crucial insights into the individuals and institutions involved in the trade and will be a valuable resource for scholars. The partnership with Lloyd’s Register Foundation will also allow for the digitization of important Lloyd’s Register publications, which contain detailed information on ships involved in the trade, their captains, and their routes.
PASSAGE is not just a research program; it is a platform for global exchange and collaboration. The partnership aims to bring together scholars from across the globe to share their knowledge and expertise on the transatlantic slave trade. By connecting these scholars with the vast collections at The National Archives and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, PASSAGE will foster new and exciting research collaborations that will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of this dark period.
This program also has a strong focus on public engagement and education. PASSAGE will host a series of workshops, seminars, and public events to raise awareness of the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on both past and modern societies. These events will provide a platform for dialogue and discussion, allowing for a deeper understanding and reflection on this challenging topic.
The National Archives and Lloyd’s Register Foundation are committed to using their resources and expertise to contribute to a better understanding of the transatlantic slave trade. Through this partnership, PASSAGE hopes to challenge and confront the legacy of the trade and work towards a more inclusive and accurate historical narrative.
In conclusion, the generous grant from Lloyd’s Register Foundation for the PASSAGE program is a vital step towards a more comprehensive and global understanding of the transatlantic slave trade. By bringing together scholars and archival collections, this program will facilitate groundbreaking research and create a platform for global exchange and collaboration. Furthermore, through public engagement and education, PASSAGE aims to promote a deeper understanding and reflection on this dark period in human history. With this grant, we can take significant strides towards ensuring that the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade is never forgotten.
