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Forgotten Photo Unlocks Lost Family History
27 Jan
Summary
- A seaside photograph led to the discovery of an early black resident.
- Descendants emotionally viewed the image of their ancestor for the first time.
- The photograph is part of the Barry Funnell Collection.

An extraordinary chain of events began with a single, forgotten seaside photograph. This discovery brought to light one of Hastings' earliest recorded black residents. The image, available for over a year, has now connected descendants with their ancestor.
For the first time, relatives of the woman, identified as Margaret Sullivan, have seen her face. She was pictured next to her flower stall. This significant discovery is preserved within the Barry Funnell Collection at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, offering a vital glimpse into the town's past.




