University of Dundee Founders Project – Transatlantic Connections

The University of Dundee’s Founders Project aims to investigate the early benefactors of the University and the various institutions that have become part of it, uncovering connections to slavery and colonialism.

In this special event for Black History Month 2025, we will hear from researcher Erin Hancock and members of the project team, who will discuss various figures from Dundee’s past with connections to the Caribbean and the Americas. We’ll reveal how the early histories of University College Dundee, the Medical and Nursing schools and the Art College were part of a nexus of global trade and exploitation.

The individuals discussed will include James Duncan of Jordanstone, George Armitstead, James Martin White, Helen Symers and Sarah Gilroy.