NMB Releases ‘Freedom Narratives’ Guide

The National Museum of Bermuda  has published a new Teacher’s Resource Guide: Freedom Narratives of Enslaved Bermudians Mary Prince and Benjamin Benson.

A spokesperson said, ” This comprehensive guide is part of NMB’s ongoing Teacher Professional Development programme [TPD]. It is designed to support the current local social studies curriculum and deepen understanding of Bermuda’s history of enslavement and the significant contributions of Mary Prince and Benjamin Benson to the abolitionist movement.

“To date, NMB has held 12 TPD workshops, serving nearly 200 educators. In response to educator feedback, the Museum team has focussed on creating these free resources to support classroom learning.

“The guide was created by the NMB team in collaboration with Dr. Clarence Maxwell and Dr. Neil Kennedy who undertook meticulous review of historical elements, ensuring the integrity of its content. Furthermore, the invaluable input from members of NMB’s Education Committee on educational elements has been integral to shaping the guide’s effectiveness in pedagogical contexts. The Museum thanks its supporters who made this Teacher’s Resource Guide possible: Centennial Bermuda Foundation, Allied World Assurance Company, AXIS Capital, the Bermuda Community Foundation, donors to the Museum’s annual fund, The Anchor Fund and The Future of History Campaign donors.

“Freedom Narratives includes detailed biographies of Mary Prince and Benjamin Benson, providing insight into their experiences and contributions to the abolitionist movement. It includes historical summaries, timelines, key terms, and classroom activities including object-based inquiry and art activities to engage students in critical and historical thinking and contextualise Bermuda’s history through an Atlantic World lens.”

“Topics covered include:

• What are freedom narratives
• What is historical thinking and how do historians critically analyse documents
• Who was Mary Prince
• Who was Benjamin Benson
• Bermuda’s maritime economy — provides the context for biographical information shared in Prince’s and Benson’s narratives
• The rise of cotton in the US and the Second Middle Passage — provides the context for biographical information shared in Benson’s narrative
• The abolitionist movement and the role that narratives like Benson’s and Prince’s played in the movement

NMB Executive Director Elena Strong shared, “Free teacher resource guides and workshop are part of NMB’s Education Strategy and our commitment to equitable access to history. All of our education and community programmes promote critical and creative thinking and seeing multiple perspectives: skills that help us all navigate an increasingly complex world. We believe this resource will be invaluable in helping students connect with the personal stories of those who lived through and fought against enslavement, foster a deeper appreciation for the history of human rights and social justice, and develop a better sense of Bermuda’s significant role in the history of the Atlantic World and how it has shaped who we are today.”

The spokesperson said, “The guide is available for anyone to download at: https://nmb.bm/freedomnarratives/. This webpage also includes an associated story map. A TPD workshop for this resource and topic will be conducted in the fall. Interested educators should email NMB Curatorial Assistant Chynna Trott: ctrott@nmb.bm.

“Educator feedback is essential to this programme. The Museum asks educators to share reactions, experiences using the guide, and suggestions for further improvements. Eight more resource guides are in production.

“Learn more about the Museum’s education programmes: https://nmb.bm/education-programmes/.”

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