Barbados Museum and Historical Society
This society was established in 1933 by an act of parliament in an effort to document on permanent record, all aspects of Barbados’ history: old buildings, leading families and anything that is of historical interest. It is currently housed in the Garrison Historic Area, in the building that used to form the military prison at St. Ann’s Garrison, one of 12 such prisons constructed in the British Empire. The Barbados Museum and Historical Society is currently the #1 heritage institution in Barbados for exploring the culture and heritage of the island.
The Museum has a library, The Shilstone Memorial Library, which is open to the general public. Here, persons will be able to come in and research events in Barbados’ history, both for their own personal knowledge or as part of their studies. The Museum also has a gift shop, where you can purchase hard to find books, prints and maps, as well as Barbadian craft and jewellery. Finally, with the stunningly beautiful and exquisite premises, with the lush gardens and cobblestone courtyard, the grounds of the museum are ideal for any special event, especially outdoor weddings. The Museum also offers educational island tours, once or twice monthly. The tour takes you on a bus excursion where you can learn about the island in a fun and existing way with the help of a tour guide. It is the ideal educational adventure for the entire family. Before the busses depart the Museum to explore the island, patrons are usually offered a guided tour of the museum galleries.
While the Barbados Museum and Historical Society has a collection of over 500, 000 artefacts, other main features, collections and displays of the include the following:
- A natural history display that describes the coral structure of Barbados.
- Artefacts of the early inhabitants of the Caribbean islands, the Amerindians.
- 'Yesterday's Children' gallery, which as the name suggests is ideal for children, provides an exciting way for them to learn about history.
- Furnishings of an eighteenth-century plantation house, where you see the decor exactly as it was in those days.
- Exhibits of modern art
- African and European Decorative Arts.
- Antique maps and prints.
- Social and military history.
- Tools and equipment.
- Coins and medallions.
- Early photography and personalia
- …and much more.
- The Barbados Museum & Historical Society is open seven days a week Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sundays 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed on public holidays Early closure may occur on occasions when a private event is held on the premises. - Museum Gift Shop Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- The Shilstone Memorial Library Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Adults – $20 Barbados Dollars. Children under 12 years – $10 Barbados Dollars Barbadians with ID – No admission Please note these rates are subject to change and are not applicable to special event/tours
Barbados Museum & Historical Society
Address: Dalkeith Rd, St. Ann’s, Garrison, St. Micheal
Tel: (246) 538-0201
Web: www.barbmuse.org.bb
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