Visiting the Deptford People's Heritage Museum
DISE’s Dr. Caroline Shenaz Hossein was invited to The Deptford People's Heritage Museum in London, England last week.
The Museum is a Black-led, volunteer-run museum located near the Deptford Docks in London. It was founded by community organizers and is governed by a "village ethos”. The museum's collection includes maps, walks, study groups, and objects narrated by people who live and work in the surrounding area.
Collective education is at the centre of the museum, making Dr. Hossein’s book, The Banker Ladies - Vanguards of Solidarity Economics and Community-Based Banks, of particular interest to them in their ongoing work.
Dr. Hossein spoke to them about pardners, susus, and other informal banking systems, that pre-date the use of credit unions, and helped provide community financing when Black communities were not accepted by the banks.
Dr. Hossein’s visit to the museum will help them extend this history and knowledge of informal financial systems to younger generations through school learning packs, mentorship, online material, and partnering with local colleges and universities.
Learn more about The Museum’s latest news here
Their new website is found here