Free Entry For Residents In February At NMB
The National Museum of Bermuda [NMB] is opening its doors to all Bermuda residents for free during the month of February, generously sponsored by Butterfield.
A spokesperson said, “2024 marks the eleventh year of this community programme and the Museum’s 50th anniversary. Free for February and a free Community Day planned for February 25 are part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.”
“Supporting the National Museum of Bermuda is something we are proud to do as it aligns with our commitment to support the wider community. This sponsorship provides an inclusive and meaningful opportunity for us all to learn more about Bermuda’s history and culture, and helps to celebrate the Museum’s 50th anniversary”, said Jody Feldman, Managing Director of Butterfield. “With the Free for February initiative, which coincides with Black History Month, and the other NMB programmes, we encourage everyone to get involved and to make the most of everything NMB has to offer.”
NMB Executive Director Elena Strong shared: “We are thrilled to have Butterfield’s support this year so that we can open our doors for free to all Bermuda residents during February. At NMB, we aim to make learning Bermuda history part of every educational journey on Island. Eliminating the barrier of admission allows for increased access for residents to engage with and explore Bermuda’s complex and fascinating past. Also, non-profit and private partnerships like this are essential as we carry out our work as a vital community education resource. We look forward to welcoming everyone to NMB this month!”.
A spokesperson said, “Over the past five decades, a small, dedicated team of museum and heritage experts, Board members and individual and corporate volunteers have transformed once-derelict ramparts, bastions, and historic buildings into a first-class Museum. NMB has also built Bermuda’s largest collection of historic objects [80,000+ objects relating to 500 years of Bermuda history and heritage], partnered with overseas and local institutions to carry out archaeological and historical research, and re-imagined historic military buildings as exhibition, education and community spaces, research labs, and event venues. With the support of the Government of Bermuda, the Museum acquired the Casemates complex in 2013, officially becoming the National Museum of Bermuda and growing from a 10- to a 16-acre property.
“NMB’s permanent exhibits cover a range of topics that explore Bermuda’s cultural links with the West Indies and Azores, trans-Atlantic slavery and slavery in Bermuda, Bermuda’s defence heritage, shipwrecks and early Bermuda settlement, the building of Dockyard and much more. NMB’s 16-acre fort also contains jaw-dropping views, massive cannon, local watercraft, the stunning Hall of History mural by Graham Foster and a children’s playground and playhouse.
“The Museum’s newest temporary art exhibit FAMILY [FAM, I Love You] is a solo photography exhibit by local artist Jayde Gibbons. The exhibit is her artistic response to NMB’s ongoing community project Bermuda Family Scrapbook [https://nmb.bm/bermuda-family-scrapbook/]. Through a collection of intimate and candid portraits, Gibbons explores the enduring power of family and community bonds in the face of profound sorrow and bereavement. Her photographs chronicle poignant moments from local funerals and celebrations of life and is on display Commissioner’s Room on the second floor of Commissioner’s House at NMB.
“Another temporary exhibit, on the first floor of Commissioner’s House, is Homestead, by Meredith Andrews. It features 10 large-format, vibrant photographs of multi-generational Bermudian families in front of their homes. The portraits are Andrews’ artistic response to Bermuda Family Scrapbook and capture the fortitude of family life in Bermuda. Both exhibits are part of NMB’s free award-winning community education programme, Tracing Our/Roots/Routes [TORR]: nmb.bm/tracing-our-roots-routes.
“Throughout the month of February, visitors to the Museum can pick up a family scavenger hunt at the NMB Ticket Office to dive deeper into the Museum’s collection and Bermuda’s history. NMB’s digital Black History in Bermuda tour uses the app Smartify to share contributions of Black community leaders and highlights associated significant artefacts on display at the Museum. And, resident NMB yoga teacher Lisa Wingood will be offering a free yoga class on Saturday, 17 February, in honour of Black History Month [register: wingood.lisa@gmail.com].
“Free for February visitors can also enter a weekly raffle to win a free family membership. NMB member benefits include: unlimited free admission, the popular magazine MARITimes, 10% discount on all NMB publications, access to genealogy research, invitations to special events and exhibit openings, savings at participating Dockyard restaurants, Dolphin Quest and Keep the Flow yoga classes, and reciprocal membership to maritime museums affiliated with the International Congress of Maritime Museums.
“For the second year, NMB will be hosting a free Community Day on Sunday, February 25 from 10am – 3pm. There will be food vendors, door prizes, storytelling, art activities, a family yoga class, tour of the Hall of History with artist Graham Foster and other exhibits led by NMB staff, and much more. The Museum will be sharing more about this Community Day in the coming weeks.
“To take advantage of Free for February, Bermuda residents should bring proof of residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill. NMB is open every day 10am–5pm [last admission 4pm]. Visit www.nmb.bm/visit for more information. NMB is a non-government, not-for-profit Bermuda Registered Charity No. 136.”
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Great news, thanks Butterfield!