The Sierra Leone National Museum: A Resilient Emblem of Heritage

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Freetown, at the bustling crossroads of Siaka Stevens Street and Pademba Road, the Sierra Leone National Museum stands as a resilient testament to Sierra Leone's rich cultural heritage. This cherished institution represents a story of perseverance and a commitment to preserving and celebrating the country's diverse history.

The seeds of the museum were sown before Sierra Leone's independence, with the formation of the Monuments and Relics Commission in 1946. The goal was to protect and preserve important historical and archaeological items, relics, and monuments of scientific interest. Under the chairmanship of retired Creole doctor M. C. F. Easmon, the Commission laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the Sierra Leone National Museum.

In 1953, Governor Sir Robert Hall, recognizing the potential of this initiative, urged the formation of the Sierra Leone Society, predominantly comprising colonial expatriates and the city's Creole elite. This society was tasked with establishing the museum, and the old Cotton Tree Telephone Exchange was offered as a temporary home for the fledgling institution in 1955. After careful refurbishment, the museum officially opened its doors on 10 December 1957, inaugurated by Chief Minister Sir Milton Margai.

Sierra Leone claimed its independence in 1961, ushering in a new era. By 1967, the Sierra Leone Society had dissolved, but the Monuments and Relics Commission was empowered to "acquire, maintain and administer the Sierra Leone Museum" - marking its transformation into the national museum. Despite scant governmental support and its continued existence in its original "temporary" location, the museum has proven its resilience time and again. Notably, in 1987, the German embassy funded an extension to mark Freetown's bicentennial.

The museum's captivating exhibits include a rare photograph of the Temne guerrilla leader, Bai Bureh, who ignited a war against British rule in 1898. As of today, the esteemed Josephine Kargbo presides as the acting chief curator.

In a significant recent development, University College London's "Reanimating Cultural Heritage" project has digitized 2000 objects from the museum in cooperation with the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Cultural Affairs and other organizations. This initiative propels the museum into the digital age while ensuring that Sierra Leone's cultural heritage remains accessible and vibrant for future generations.

The Sierra Leone National Museum, with its resilient past and innovative future, remains a proud symbol of the nation's enduring spirit and diverse cultural legacy. It stands as a beacon for all who wish to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of Sierra Leone's history.

Discover more Museums >