This Black History Month, discover powerful stories of resistance and emancipation on the Caribbean Island of St. Thomas at The Postal Museum.  

Our temporary exhibition, Voices of Resistance: Slavery and Post in the Caribbean, uncovers a little known but deeply important chapter in British postal history, revealing the lived experiences of enslaved coal workers who, under harsh and dehumanising conditions, were forced to refuel Royal Mail steamships during the 19th century.

The Postal Museum partnered with Dollar fo' Dollar Inc, a community group in the Virgin Islands, to understand how these coal workers fought to gain freedom, exploring their hopes, aspirations, strength and determination to fight for their rights.  

The exhibition also set the stage for the official launch of the London Borough of Camden’s Black History Season, transforming The Postal Museum into a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, and community pride. The event featured a powerful drum procession and spoken word performances by local artists, kicking off a season of talks and activities across the borough this month.

Voices of Resistance: Slavery and Post in the Caribbean is open until 5th January 2026. To find out more about visiting the exhibition or incorporating the gallery into your next event contact venues@thepostalmuseum.org.