The Afro-Caribbean Connection at Museumand
In the heart of the UK, Museumand – The National Caribbean Heritage Museum stands as a pioneering institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of the Caribbean community in Britain. Founded by Catherine Ross (right), a Nottingham-based curator and historian of Caribbean heritage, the museum is a “museum without walls”—a traveling and immersive experience that brings the stories of Caribbean people to life.
As part of #EchosOfHer, Anah’s project dedicated to amplifying the stories of women who shape cultural landscapes, this feature highlights how Museumand embodies the echoes of marginalized histories and feminine resilience, weaving together the voices of Black and Caribbean communities.
A Museum Without Walls, A Heritage Without Borders
Unlike traditional museums housed in grand institutions, Museumand takes a community-first approach, bringing exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and educational programs directly to schools, galleries, and public spaces across the UK.
Catherine Ross, a visionary curator and storyteller, founded Museumand to ensure that the histories of Caribbean migration, culture, and identity are not just remembered but actively celebrated. She saw how the contributions of the Windrush Generation—those who migrated from the Caribbean to Britain between 1948 and 1971—were often overlooked, and she created the museum to fill this gap.
From showcasing Caribbean food culture to exploring the legacy of Black women in activism, Museumand presents history in a way that is engaging, interactive, and deeply personal.
Echoes of Forgotten Histories
One of the key themes of #EchosOfHer is the acknowledgment of histories that have been erased, rewritten, or silenced. Museumand aligns with this vision by unearthing stories of Caribbean women who have shaped Britain, from nurses and factory workers to writers, musicians, and activists.
Exhibitions and projects have highlighted:
The role of Caribbean women in the NHS, where they worked as nurses and caregivers despite facing racial discrimination.
The impact of Caribbean women in literature, from Andrea Levy’s storytelling to contemporary voices reclaiming their space.
The intersections of Caribbean and African identities, exploring how diasporic communities influence each other.
This focus on gender, migration, and identity makes Museumand more than a museum—it’s a movement of remembrance and pride.
Beyond the Museum: A Movement of Stories
#EchosOfHer seeks to highlight the work of women like Catherine Ross, who are building cultural institutions that honour forgotten voices. Museumand is not just a collection of objects—it is a living testament to the Caribbean experience in Britain.
By featuring Museumand, Anah’s project extends its reach beyond Western feminist discourses, recognizing the importance of diasporic storytelling. It reminds us that history is not linear or singular—it is an echo, reverberating across generations, carried by the voices of those who refuse to be forgotten.
As Catherine Ross and Museumand continue their mission, the museum stands as a beacon of Afro-Caribbean heritage, resilience, and community—a space where the past speaks, the present listens, and the future is imagined.
More on #EchosOfHer
Follow Anah’s project as it continues to highlight museums, archives, and cultural spaces founded by women of colour worldwide. Because every story deserves an echo.
