This AGO acquisition is one of the largest, most significant collections of more than 3,500 historical images from 34 countries including Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad.

This incredible visual record includes compelling photographs spanning from the 1840s to the 1940s, including prints, postcards, daguerreotypes, lantern slides, albums, and stereographs. It contains studio portraits, landscapes and tourist views and brings to life the changing economies, environments and communities that emerged following the abolishment of slavery.

The acquisition was made possible in part by the generous contributions of a group of 30 donors, the majority of whom are from Toronto’s Black and Caribbean communities.