Reinterpreting the Past to Explain the Present and Reimagine the Future

Welcome to a Society that has been around for 240 years, actively supporting the study and enjoyment of Scotland’s past.We're a charitable membership organisation that promotes the understanding and enjoyment of Scotland’s past.  It does this by supporting and facilitating research, advocating the protection of cultural heritage, and ensuring that our knowledge of the past is shared as widely as possible.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

This hybrid talk will be presented by Nelson Cummins, Curator of Legacies of Slavery and Empire at Glasgow Museums.

Augustine United Church

2025/26 Public Lecture Programme

Thanks to the support of our Fellows, partners and sponsors, the Society runs an annual programme of free public lectures, held in Edinburgh and streamed live. Register for talks on the medieval Lords of the Isles, the world of the Picts and more.

<h3>About the Lecture</h3>Like many of Scotland’s museums, Glasgow Museums has been shaped and impacted by the histories of British Empire and transatlantic slavery. In recent years, the organisation has been working to explore how to better address and acknowledge how colonial histories shape Glasgow, its museums and its people.Reinterpreting the Past to Explain the Present and Reimagine the Future: Addressing Histories of Empire and Slavery in Glasgow Museums will reflect on this work, the lessons learned so far and how this institution can address and acknowledge colonial histories as a way to engage in anti-racism activism.

<h3>About the Speaker</h3>This talk will be presented by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BGaerLVPE/" title="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BGaerLVPE/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Nelson Cummins</a>.Nelson is Curator of Legacies of Slavery and Empire at Glasgow Museums. In this role he is responsible for exploring how the histories and legacies of transatlantic slavery and the British Empire impact Glasgow Museums and the wider city of Glasgow.

<h3>Format</h3>This will be a hybrid event which will take place both in Augustine United Church and live-streamed online, with the recording uploaded to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SocietyofAntiquariesofScotland" title="https://www.youtube.com/@SocietyofAntiquariesofScotland" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">our YouTube channel </a>shortly after the lecture. Please keep an eye on the Society website, e-newsletters and your email inbox for the latest news and further information on Society events.The main lecture will be preceded by a short presentation on a related topic by an Early Career Researcher and followed by a Q&amp;A. In-person attendees are also welcome to stay for a free drinks reception from approximately 7pm where you can discuss the lecture and other interests with the speaker, Society Fellows and other attendees.

<h3>Your Ticket</h3>Booking is essential for members of the public and Fellows of the Society. If you have reserved a ticket and can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or contact <a href="https://events@socantscot.org" title="https://events@socantscot.org" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">events@socantscot.org</a> to allow someone else to take your place.

<h3>House Rules</h3>The Society has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and bullying.All attendees are requested to act with respect to one another during this hybrid event.Anyone making comments which we believe to be inappropriate (e.g. offensive or abusive) will be removed from the event immediately. Equivalent procedures (e.g. with regard to spam) will apply online.

<h3>Active and Sustainable Travel</h3>To help to tackle climate change and decrease congestion and pollution from cars, the Society encourages you to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport to travel to and from this event if possible.<a href="https://www.lothianbuses.com/" title="https://www.lothianbuses.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Lothian Buses</a> run services along George IV Bridge, Forrest Road and nearby South Bridge. There are also bicycle racks directly outside the venue.

<h3>Accessibility</h3>Please note, the hearing loop facility at Augustine United Church is currently unavailable. We apologise for any inconvenience.The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail.Step free access is available via a door to the right of the building - please ring the bell for attention. Please note there is a tight turn in this passageway.A standard accessible toilet is available on the ground floor and on the lower level (accessible via lift).Assistance dogs are allowed inside the venue.If attending via Zoom, captions are included.You can find further information on Accessibility <a href="https://www.augustine.org.uk/about-us/accessibility/" title="https://www.augustine.org.uk/about-us/accessibility/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

<h3>Support Us</h3>The Society is grateful for our 2,600 Fellows across the globe whose support enables us to make these event free and open to all.If you are interested in being part of this network and supporting a charity that has actively supported the study and enjoyment of Scotland’s past for over 240 years, visit our <a href="https://www.socantscot.org/join/" title="https://www.socantscot.org/join/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Join Us</a> page for more information about the benefits of becoming a Fellow.Want to keep up to date with our public-facing events and opportunities? Sign up to the Society's <a href="http://eepurl.com/iNb-M-/" title="http://eepurl.com/iNb-M-/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">free public e-newsletter</a> and receive monthly updates direct to your inbox.

Images: Old Glasgow Cross or Trongate by John Knox (© CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection)Images: Glasgow City of Empire (© CSG CIC Glasgow Museums)