The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), Awards for All and 24 Hour Museum have joined in partnership to announce their support of the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade with the launch of the website www.abolition200.org.uk . This will act as the cultural sector’s premier website for news of national bicentenary events and activities.

Going live on Monday March 19, and managed via the 24 Hour Museum database, the MLA-commissioned site allows you to find out about abolition-related events taking place in local areas. It offers a searchable database of events, news stories and has a special area for teachers and schools. It also highlights funding opportunities for groups that wish to apply for National Lottery money to help fund their commemorative events and activities.

Asif Khan, MLA Senior Policy Adviser, said: “The new website is a great resource for families, tourists and individuals interested in abolition-themed commemorative activities happening throughout the country. The MLA is delighted that museums, libraries and archives can use this tool to inform communities about how they can get involved in particular events that mark a significant date in British history for human rights. The MLA hopes that visitors to events such as exhibitions, author talks and digital community history archives will be inspired to help combat contemporary forms of slavery and racism. ”

Jane Finnis, Director, 24 Hour Museum, said: “It's fantastic to have come together in partnership with MLA and Awards for All to support this project. For me, it is a great example of how the 24 Hour Museum's infrastructure and editorial expertise can help bring a project to life in a sustainable and affordable way.”

Stephen Dunmore, Chief Executive of the Big Lottery Fund, said on behalf of the Awards for All funders: “Awards for All is one of the most successful Lottery funding programmes and we’re delighted to be able to contribute towards commemorating this bicentenary. The website is a terrific resource allowing people to get involved in local events and explore what’s happening in their area to remember and understand that period in time. If community groups are interested in applying for an Awards for All grant to help fund their events, then I encourage them to get in touch for further advice on 0845 600 20 40. We are continually surprised at how much can be achieved with a small grant of less than £10,000.”

This week sees a series of events raising awareness of the centenary, including a debate in the House of Commons on 20th March, the reopening of Wilberforce House Museum in Hull on 25th March, Remembering Slavery 2007 at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle and more.