Hidden Histories of Exploration: Exhibiting Geographical Collections

This project takes a new look at the extensive historical collections of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) by highlighting the role of intermediaries and indigenous peoples in the history of exploration. Its main focus will be a major exhibition to be held at the RGS-IBG, South Kensington, from 15 October to 10 December 2009.

The Society’s collections constitute a unique record of the history of global exploration and cultural encounter. The exhibition will consider the ways in which encounters between British explorers and indigenous peoples are represented in these collections. It aims to challenge the perspective of standard histories of exploration in which the contributions of ‘locals’ are relegated to the margins.

The project is associated with a new website and associated research resources (now available at rgs.org/hiddenhistories), educational events and a research workshop on geographical collections.

This project is undertaken by Felix Driver and Lowri Jones in collaboration with the RGS-IBG with the support of an AHRC grant promoting the public dissemination of research relating to collections in museums, galleries, archives and libraries.