Barbadians will have the chance to ???experience??? the 1816 rebellion through a multimedia exhibition organised by the Barbados Museum and History Society.
The exhibition entitled: Freedom. We must fight for it??? the 1816 Rebellion and its Aftermath, was officially opened by Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, at the Museum???s Garrison headquarters on Thursday evening.
Mr. Lashley told his audience that the 1816 rebellion was of pivotal significance to the Barbadian anti-slavery moment. He added that even though the rebellion had failed, it was impactful.
He acknowledged the contribution that the island???s National Hero, the Right Excellent General Bussa, and other key players had made to the rebellion, which started on Bayley???s Plantation in St. Phillip.
The Culture Minister stressed: ???Independence didn???t just happen in 1966; it was an ongoing struggle for freedom which began with the 1816 rebellion. Its influence was significant to the future of Barbados, which was to gain freedom and create a better life for both black and coloured people on the island.
???The rebellion was also an attempt to influence the abolition movement. Let us remember that because of these courageous fighters, we are free to be who we are as a people today. This is one fact that we as Barbadians should never lose sight of,??? he noted.
Highlights of the exhibition include interpretive panels, a documentary, and an interactive map which outlines the trajectory and aftermath of the rebellion. It also features an archaeology display entitled: Landscapes of Power and Resistance, which explores the configuration of small farms and their evolution into plantations during the 17th to 19th centuries.
Persons can view the exhibition at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society???s gallery Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.
aisha.reid@barbados.gov.bb