Manchester Museum in north-west England has opened its new Africa Hub that focuses on what it doesn’t know about over 40,000 African objects it holds. Many items come from the British empire era, with missing details about their makers, cultural meanings, and original owners. The museum now shows many beautifully crafted pieces that have been stored for years and invites visitors worldwide to help fill the gaps. Through visits in person or online, people can share stories and knowledge about these objects’ origins. Curators hope this effort can lead to returning items to rightful owners and building new connections with African diaspora communities. Early collaboration began with Manchester’s Igbo community, one of the UK's oldest Nigerian groups. Lucy Edematie, curator of African collections at the museum, worked closely with the Igbo Community Greater Manchester group to study objects and celebrate Igbo heritage. Sylvia Mgbeahurike, vice-chair of ICM Women, said, "Some of these objects were given, some were stolen, some were taken forcefully out of conquest. It is important that we start bringing them together again. It shows inclusiveness. It shows there is strength in diversity. It shows we are one people, irrespective of our colour or where we are from." Edematie explained, "Africa Hub is the beginning. It builds on work the museum has been doing but provides a chance to think openly and invite people to join the process." The museum calls Africa Hub an evolving space for reflection, sharing, and learning, shaped by public input. A spokesperson added, "Sometimes the reality is slightly different. And, on this occasion, we need your help, as visitors and communities, to uncover the stories that museum records cannot tell or have suppressed." The museum openly shares that much of the story behind these African items remains untold and encourages everyone to help create richer stories with shared knowledge and experiences.