Two new e-books offer students an educational journey through the Transatlantic Slave Trade, as well as the history of tourism in Bermuda.

The National Museum of Bermuda announced it had collaborated with the Department of Education to create student and teacher editions of the digital guides.

Both are aligned with curriculum, and come with investigations to challenge critical thinking and encourage reflection on how the past affects the present.

The museum hosted a one-hour professional development webinar for teachers on June 4, which drew more than 65 participants.

One participant wrote: “I want to know more. My feelings are that there is so much that students need to know within the narrative of slavery and history in Bermuda.

“Without this, progress to a truly equal Bermuda is almost impossible.”

The webinar was moderated by Lisa Howie, the NMB director of learning and engagement, with presentations by project contributors.

The group heard from Deborah Atwood, the NMB Curator; Nicole Grant, the Department of Education social studies officer; Janet Ferguson, the NMB education committee chairwoman, and Clarence Maxwell, history professor at Millersville University in Pennsylvania and a member of the NMB education committee.

The webinar came with the museum’s online resources, including information on its collection and exhibits, as well as articles and research.

Dr Maxwell spoke on the origins, meanings and societies of slavery, while Dr Ferguson explained the matrix underpinning the method of instruction and assessment for the e-book.

Ms Grant commended the book’s investigations of artefacts and personal reflections to develop critical analysis and empathetic responses to the sensitive topic of enslavement.

Ms Howie said the museum was grateful for the community’s interest and support.

She added that “by knowing our past, we are better equipped to confront the issues of the present and strengthen our purpose for the future”.

A video of the webinar can be seen at www.nmb.bm/blog.

The museum is open on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, and weekends from 9.30am to 5pm.

Visitors are asked to consider pre-purchasing admission tickets by visiting www.nmb.bm.