Minister Continues Museum And Gallery Visits
The Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. Ernest Peets continued his visits to the island’s cultural heritage institutions, with recent stops at the Bermudian Heritage Museum and the St. George’s Historical Society Museum.
A Government spokesperson said, “The public will be aware that as part of the Ministry’s ongoing support of the island’s museums, galleries and historical landmarks, Minister Peets has committed to visiting these institutions with the aim of engaging with those who oversee and manage the facilities.
“Recent visits to the Bermudian Heritage Museum and the St. George’s Historical Society Museum provided an opportunity for the Minister to learn more about the benefits of these institutions and the challenges they face.
“The Bermudian Heritage Museum opened in 1998 and chronicles the social, cultural, and political accomplishments of black Bermudians, from pre-emancipation to the present day.
“The museum has many historical documents, artefacts and photographs that recognize significant events in Bermuda’s history, as well as a collection from Bermuda’s Friendly Society lodges.
“The St. George’s Historical Society Museum is located inside Mitchell House, located near the western side of Somers Garden on Duke of Kent Street.
“The house was built in 1731, and the Historical Society of St. George’s converted the property into the museum when it assumed ownership in 1922.
“The facility remains much as it was nearly 300 years ago. With its period furnishings, recreated colonial-era kitchen and historical documents and artefacts about Bermuda’s history, including a Gutenberg-style printing press – the facility transports visitor back to the centuries of early life in Bermuda.”
Minister Peets, who has regularly championed the importance of embracing our collective heritage, said, “I broadened my awareness of centuries of Bermuda’s history during these recent visits. And as I have said, if we are to protect, preserve, understand, and promote our cultural legacy, we must embrace and learn more about our roots.
“Part of our mission at the Ministry is to be a steward of Bermuda’s cultural heritage. This is in keeping with our National Cultural Heritage Policy. And we take that responsibility very seriously. So, these occasions to visit our cultural institutions and speak directly with the dedicated and passionate curators, museum directors and staff are invaluable opportunities for me.”
Minister Peets continued, “The last two years have taken a financial and emotional toll on our community. This includes our historic and cultural facilities, many of which are charitable organisations. They have all been affected.
“Government plays a vital role in assisting Bermuda’s museums and cultural institutions. And we will continue to do our part by demonstrating our tangible support to ensure these institutions thrive as they are critical to our community. We encourage the public to do the same.”
“As a note, in 2021, the St. George’s Historical Society Museum received a Heritage Grant from the Department of Culture. The grant, in the amount of $5,000, assisted with the preservation of objects of historical importance as well as the maintenance of Mitchell House and the adjacent cottage,” the spokesperson said.
“Also, last year, the Bermudian Heritage Museum received a Heritage Grant from the Department of Culture. The grant, in the amount of $5,000, assisted with their website and digitising their archival materials.
“To learn more about Bermuda’s National Cultural Heritage Policy visit https://culture.bm/culture-heritage/cultural-policy/.
“The Bermudian Heritage Museum, located across from the southern side of Somers Garden, is open 10:30 am to 2 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
“The St. George’s Historical Society Museum is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday from April through mid-December; and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays only during the winter months.”
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