The entrepreneurial spirit of Black Bermudian women engaged in the improper trade of goods during the early years of the Royal Naval Dockyard is the subject of an upcoming lecture.

The National Museum of Bermuda is continuing its free series on Bermuda and the Atlantic World with the presentation titled Higglers, Hucksters and Pedlars: Informal Trade at Dockyard by Neil Kennedy, associate professor of history at Memorial University, Canada.

The virtual talk is scheduled for October 2.

Drawing on archival records, Dr Kennedy’s talk will uncover the neglected history of the trade at Ireland Island, speaking to how Black Bermudian women, largely absent from official narratives, “played a vital role in provisioning the garrison, fleet and residents by selling food and clothing on the margins of Dockyard”.

“This lecture shines a light on the entrepreneurial spirit of women whose contributions have long been overlooked,” said Deborah Atwood, museum curator.

Dr Atwood added: “Through archival records and historical context, Neil’s work pieces together a portrait of resilience, entrepreneurship and agency in the face of colonial constraints, emancipation-era tensions and shifting imperial policies.”

Elena Strong, the executive director for the museum, said: “Our Bermuda and the Atlantic World lecture series invites audiences to explore the global forces that shaped Bermuda’s development.

“This presentation deepens that exploration by focusing on Black Bermudian women whose labour sustained the Dockyard community.

“Their stories expand our understanding of Bermuda’s place in Atlantic history, especially in relation to informal trade, emancipation, land access and taxation.

“These issues not only influenced daily life on the island but also reflected broader patterns across the British Empire.

“By centring these voices, we enrich the historical narrative and have a better understanding of the complexity of Bermuda’s past.”

Admission is free, but registration is required.

Sign up is available at nmb.bm/lecture.