St. Georges Foundation Ends Lease Agreement

The St. George’s Foundation has announced its decision to end its 18-year-old Queen’s Warehouse lease agreement on December 31, 2020.

A spokesperson said, “The St. George’s Foundation bids farewell to the Queen’s Warehouse as it transitions the building back to the Corporation of St. George on 31 December 2020.

“After concluding that the maintenance and upkeep of the Queen’s Warehouse, previous home of the Bermuda World Heritage Centre, was obstructing the St. George’s Foundation from its mission to support Bermuda’s UNESCO World Heritage Site through collaboration, education and awareness, the heritage organisation took the decision to end its 18-year-old lease agreement.

“At year end, the St. George’s Foundation will hand the keys to the Queen’s Warehouse back to landlord, the Corporation of St. George.

“The decision to leave the Queen’s Warehouse was not taken lightly, given it contained a broad collection of World Heritage Centre artifacts and exhibits. After months of extensive collaboration with key heritage partners, the St. George’s Foundation is delighted that all historical assets and exhibits have been preserved and transferred to appropriate, caring homes.

“The St. George’s Foundation Board thanks our heritage partners for their support.

“The St. George’s Foundation looks forward in 2021 to providing the community with meaningful connections to the Bermuda UNESCO World Heritage Site through its Heritage Preservation program in conjunction with the Department of Parks and the Bermuda National Trust and through ongoing virtual lectures and outdoor excursions for the community.

“The St. George’s Foundation is also preparing a Bermuda’s UNESCO World Heritage Site educational program, in particular focusing on east end schools and community organizations.”

Chairman Cheryl Hayward-Chew said, “The St. George’s Foundation is proud of its track record, starting with its founding in 1997 to bring the St. George’s Town Heritage Plan to reality, accomplishing the successful designation of the Historic Town of St. George and related fortifications as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, funding projects beautifying the old town and creating the World Heritage Centre.

“It is momentous that December marks the 20th anniversary of Bermuda’s UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, and nearly 20 years of commitment to the Queen’s Warehouse. The St. George’s Foundation is taking this critical leap to transform itself into a condensed, engaged organisation with the flexibility to absorb the rapid challenges of today’s world.

“It is through this transformation that we will funnel time, energy, and the valuable contributions of our members and donors into moving forward in support of Bermuda’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

The spokesperson said, “The St. George’s Foundation was the steward of the Queen’s Warehouse, home of Bermuda’s World Heritage Centre, which opened its doors in 2006 with the official grand opening in 2009.

“The World Heritage Centre featured the Gateway to Bermuda interactive exhibit gallery, the Jewel of the East exhibits, the 45 seat educational theatre, and 4,500 square feet of event space. Over its 14 years, the World Heritage Centre came alive with locals and visitors alike, functioning as an orientation and education centre, celebrating the heritage and history of Bermuda’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Town of St. George, and its related fortification.”

General Manager Peter Frith said, “I must thank the Corporation of St. George for their support and the esteemed heritage partners who have accepted our treasured World Heritage Centre artifacts and exhibits.

|Collaborative partners include the Bermuda National Trust, the Department of Parks [Fort St. Catherine], St. George’s Historical Society, the Bermuda Heritage Museum, the National Museum of Bermuda, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, and the family of King’s Pilot James ‘Jemmy’ Darrell.

|I especially thank all the volunteers who supported the Second Hand Rose thrift shop throughout the years and during the final clearance sale, as well as our many donors, members, and patrons.

“The St. George’s Foundation looks forward to providing updates to our members and the community in the New Year.”

The spokesperson said, “For more information or to become a member of the St. George’s Foundation, please visit our website or contact General Manager Peter Frith at manager@sgf.bm or 536-1637.”

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