A SCOTTISH museum has been nominated for a prestigious award at the 2022 Museums and Heritage Awards.
David Livingstone Birthplace Museum in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, is one of the smallest museums in Scotland and is among a select group in contention for Permanent Exhibition of the Year, an award at the so-called “Oscars” of the museum world.
The award features museums all across the world.
Livingstone was the Scottish physician and Christian missionary who became a lifelong abolitionist and well-respected explorer in Africa.
Despite being born in 1813, it is argued that his worldwide impact remains today “in Scotland’s lasting relationships with many African countries and in Black Scottish history”.
The museum recently received a £9.1 million investment boost, allowing it to add to its displays and renovate existing exhibitions.
Grant MacKenzie, director and trustee at David Livingstone Birthplace Museum said: “We are delighted to be recognised by the Museums and Heritage Awards as one of the best permanent exhibitions this year. This recognition is truly reflective of the importance of Livingstone’s story for the modern day.
“When many of the books about Livingstone were initially written, there wasn’t much information about the people he met and worked with in Africa. Some weren’t named, some of them weren’t even written about.
“We have found out lots more about them since then, and the reinterpretation of the collection is much more reflective of the real experiences Livingstone had.
“In the new museum we show how Livingstone successfully collaborated with the local people he met to achieve his great feats of exploration.
“Wherever possible, we have tried to humanise Livingstone, showing his flaws as well as his greatest qualities
“Livingstone’s stories set Scotland in a global context, provide connections to international communities and links to contemporary issues.”
Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, chancellor of Heriot-Watt University and member of the museum advisory panel said: “I am delighted that the David Livingstone Birthplace Museum has been nominated for this important award which recognises the national and international importance of the life story it contains.
“History and education go together and this can be seen at this museum.
“70 years ago as a boy in Jamaica, my aunts insisted that I attended church three times every Sunday.
“The story of David Livingstone’s life as a missionary and explorer was told frequently. This helped to shape my values and my education.
“Therefore, it was a dream come true when I visited this museum in Blantyre near Glasgow.”
