
Perspectives: Black History Month Tour
Fri 16 Oct, 16:00 - 17:00 and 17:30 - 18:30
National Museum of Scotland
Free, booking required
About Perspectives: Black History Month Tour
Join Lisa Williams for an after-hours tour of the National Museum of Scotland to celebrate Black History Month.
Discover the hidden histories behind our collections. Lisa will explore the stories behind iconic objects and give fresh insights on the links between Scotland and Africa and the Caribbean. From the Darien Chest to Althea McNish fabrics, you'll uncover groundbreaking design and new perspectives.
Featured objects

Althea McNeish fabric with Trinidadian design influence and post-WW2 arrivals from the Caribbean. Museum reference K.2014.21

A wooden fan from Calabar collected by Jamaican Archibald Hewan in Nigeria. Museum reference A.400.30

Darien Chest c.1695. Museum reference K.2000.368.

Carved calabash drinking cup from Calabar collected by Jamaican Archibald Hewan in Nigeria. Museum reference A.400.19
We were here documentary
Price: Free, booking required
These tours run alongside a special screening of 'We were here'. This documentary film explores the untold history of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe. It will be followed by a panel discussion.
Good to know
There are two, identical tours:
- 16:00 - 17:00
- 17:30 - 18:30
Getting here
For the tour starting at 17:30, please enter the museum via Lothian Street. Do not use the main entrance on Chambers Street.
Meeting point
Please meet your guide outside the auditorium 10 minutes before your tour starts.
About Lisa Williams
Lisa Williams is an author, poet and founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association and Black History Walking Tours Edinburgh. She curates a range of arts events across Scotland to promote Caribbean culture. She runs educational and anti-racist programmes and leads walking tours focusing on Edinburgh’s Black History. She has an MA in Arts, Festival and Cultural Management. She is an Honorary Fellow in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh.

Accessibility and facilities
We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.
Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Scotland.
In partnership
This event is in partnership with Black History Walking Tours Edinburgh.
You might also like
- Events

We Were Here: Film screening and in conversation
Fri 16 Oct 2026, 19:00 – 21:00To celebrate Black History Month, join us for a special screening of 'We Were Here - The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe'.FreeNational Museum of Scotland
Find out more - Events

Creative Workshop: Drop Spinning
Sat 26 Sep, 10:30 - 12:30Join us for this workshop on traditional spinning techniques, inspired by our 'Scotland's First Warriors' exhibition.National Museum of Scotland
Find out more - Events

In Conversation: Understanding Prehistoric Lives Beyond Conflict
Sat 26 Sep, 14:30-16:00Tristan Hughes and Nicole DeRushie join exhibition curator Dr Matthew Knight to discuss the evidence of life beyond conflict in prehistoric Scotland.Just announcedNational Museum of Scotland
Find out more
