September and October 2006. African-Caribbean Heritage at the Museum of London and Museum in Docklands is featured throughout the year and this September and October includes some exciting events. Author and journalist Dr. Mike Phillips will be talking at Museum of London about the profound impact of Windrush immigrants who stepped off the boat and onto London’s buses and trains. Other events include Cameroonian chiefs explaining the significance of the Ngondo celebration and a heady mix of films, performance and talks throughout the month.

At the Museum in Docklands next year’s bicentennial anniversary of the abolition of slavery is anticipated by a conference exploring the role of the church, and featuring, amongst other speakers, theologian and broadcaster Robert Beckford.  There will also be activities for children including themed story telling and puppet making.

The end of October sees a new exhibition at Museum of London, revealing the experiences and contributions of refugees in the capital.  Belonging: Voices of London’s Refugees presents powerful interviews, photographs, objects, art, and film to tell the stories of why refugees fled to London and what they contribute to the city's culture and prosperity.

Adult events
Sat 7 Oct - Sat 14 Oct
Cameroonian Village - A Taste of Cameroon
Family Event
Mon-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm, Sun 12.30pm-4.30pm
Free Event

Experience a slice of world culture in London as part of our Black History Month celebrations. Come and see our special visitors from Cameroon perform traditional dances and become captivated by their instruments and colourful costumes.

Sat 07 October
How, When and Where - Exploring the Independence of Cameroon
1.30pm  (60 mins)
Free Event

As part of the Black History Month celebrations join the Museum of London and find out about the struggle in mid 20th century Cameroon and the battle for independence. Listen to the life accounts of Pastor Lottin Same and how he fought for what he believed.

Sat 07 October
Celebrating 'Ngondo'
Special event
11.30am  (60 mins)
Free Event

Celebrating world heritage as part of Black History Month the Museum will be showing a short documentary about the creation of 'Ngondo', the biggest traditional Cameroonian celebration. Traditional chiefs will be present to answer questions and bring the film to life by explaining further the tradition and the legend of the mermaid.

Thu 12 October
From Windrush to Rush Hour
Talks 16+
7.00 PM (60 mins)
£5/£3 (concs)

2006 marks the 50th anniversary of London Transport's recruitment drive in the Caribbean. Author, journalist and TV editor Dr Mike Phillips takes a look at the relationship between Caribbean immigrants and London Transport. He will examine the profound impact it has had on London's public transport culture in a presentation illustrated with archive material.
This event is organised in partnership with London’s Transport Museum.

Sun 29 October
The Front Room
Event for All
12.00PM (5 hrs)
Free Event

"The Front Room" is a family day based on The "West Indian" Front Room curated by Michael McMillan at the Geffrye Museum last winter. The front room came alive on a Sunday, and activities will enable families to remember and share experiences of growing up 'back in the day'. There will be an object- handling workshop, performances by The Sunshine Granny Club, films together with a talk and discussion with Michael McMillan.

Sun 29 October
I have before me a remarkable document given to me by a young lady from Rwanda
Adult Events 16+
2.00pm, 4.00pm (45 mins)
Free Event

I Have Before Me a Remarkable Document Given To Me by a Young Lady From Rwanda, is a powerful drama by Sonja Linden, inspired by her work with the Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture, and performed by iceandfire theatre company. The play tells the story of an uneasy relationship between Simon, a failing British writer stuck in mid-life, and Juliette, a young survivor of the Rwandan genocide, who comes to him for help with her book.

iceandfire theatre company are dedicated to honouring the real life stories of individuals who have been displaced as a result of conflict; channelling these stories into the production of high quality theatre, and creating insight into the refugee experience through education and outreach. This play has been warmly received all over the UK.

Kids' events
Sun 15 October & Sun 29 October
Mary Seacole
Drama
1.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm (30 mins)
Free Event

Meet Mary Seacole the nurse who saved many lives during the Crimean War and hear of her adventures in different lands and experiences as a black woman in Victorian London.

Mon 23 October
Joseph Johnson
Storytelling
1.00pm, 3.00pm, 2.00pm (30 mins)
Free Event

Meet the nineteenth century black merchant sailor Joseph Johnson who became a famous street performer and was celebrated for his tales of the high seas and the wide world.

Sun 29 October
Talks About Mary
12.00pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm (30 mins)
Free Event

When Mary Seacole came to London in 1854 she had problems getting work because she was black. Find out how she overcame obstacles to become a much admired and loved London resident. In this engaging family talk about Mary you'll be taken on a journey of her life, her achievements and struggles, finishing with how she is remembered today.

Sun 29 October
The Front Room
Event for All
12.00pm (5 hrs)
Free Event

"The Front Room" is a family day based on The "West Indian" Front Room curated by Michael McMillan at the Geffrye Museum last winter. The front room came alive on a Sunday, and activities will enable families to remember and share experiences of growing up 'back in the day'. There will be an object- handling workshop, performances by The Sunshine Granny Club, films together with a talk and discussion with Michael McMillan.

Exhibition
Belonging: Voices of London’s Refugees
27 October 2006 to 25 February 2007

A new exhibition revealing the experiences and contributions of refugees in the capital opens at the Museum of London on 27 October 2006.  Belonging: Voices of London’s Refugees presents powerful interviews, photographs, objects, art, and film to tell the stories of why refugees come to London, the challenges of their new lives and the barriers they face, and the rich contributions they make to the city.  People from more than fifteen communities from across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Latin America are included.

Museum of London
London Wall
Open Mon to Sat 10am-5.50pm
Sun 12-5.50pm
Last Admission 5.30pm
Free Admission

tel: 0870 444 3850