Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, became Hull's twin city in 1979, leading to the creation of the charity, 'The Freetown Society'. A sister society exists in Freetown - 'The Hull Society'. The civic partnership has led to projects and activities which keep the partnership active and vibrant.
To explore Sierra Leone's rich culture and heritage and to challenge negative perceptions of Hull's only twin city, Corporal Fred Birden's wartime photography was reinterpreted by local members of the Hull Afro-Caribbean Association. Members of the association were either born, lived or had worked in West Africa. The project is part of ongoing work between the Hull Afro-Caribbean Association, Hull Museums and the University of Hull to increase the visibility of Hull's African and Afro-Caribbean community. The project has developed into the Wilberforce House Museum Advisory Board, which meets four times per year to guide the exhibition and engagement work of the museum and help make heritage more inclusive.
The train journey to Bo. Photography by Fred Birden