Barbados Museum and Historical Society
Home of Barbadian Heritage and Culture
Get a glimpse into the stories and historical events of Barbados with our range of exhibits, artwork and over 500,000 artifacts across our seven Galleries
African
The Charles A. Robertson African Gallery and exhibition, titled “Connection and Continuities”, introduces visitors to the geography, history, and heritage of Africa and its legacy in the creation of Caribbean society. The exhibition reveals the rise of early humanity and highlights the geographical and demographic diversity of the continent. It introduces four African kingdoms and explores the symbols of power used at both secular and religious levels. The gallery captures how Africa engaged with the world through trade routes and centres and expands to demonstrate African cultural retention in the Diaspora by illustrating traditional African customs. From man’s first footsteps on this earth (a reproduction of the Laetoli footsteps donated by the National Museum of Kenya) to a glimpse of modern constructions within urban cities, this gallery allows visitors to discover and understand the diversity of the African continent and its direct connections to contemporary Caribbean cultural heritage.
Cunard
Dedicated to fine art, this gallery displays a wide variety of paintings and prints depicting Barbados and the wider Caribbean. It is home to historical scenes of Bridgetown as well as the 1848 original oil painting, Careenage by Percy William Justyne and the 17th century original oil painting Governor Robinson Going to Church. The work of several military artists are also on display including the work of Lieut. J. H. Caddy and Lieut. J.M. Carter. J.H. Caddy’s coloured prints feature St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Dominica and St. Kitts, while Carter developed a series of street and landscape scenes of Barbados. Here visitors can also view six original oil paintings by Agostino Brunias depicting West Indian lifestyles in the 17th century.
Harewood
This colourful gallery is a must for all those with an interest in the flora and fauna of Barbados. Using displays and dioramas, the exhibit vividly depicts the ecology of the coral reef and its marine life and the development of the mangrove swamps and sea grasses. The exhibits explore areas such as the fishing industry, the conservation and protection of sea turtles and the harvesting of sea-eggs (urchins). It also informs visitors about Barbados’ natural environment and its protection. Species of extinct and endangered animals are featured as well as the migratory birds which visit Barbados every year.
Jairus Brewster Children’s Gallery
This dynamic gallery offers many opportunities for children to understand the world around them through a Barbadian lens by engaging with technological and interactive exhibits which appeal to their senses and even lend to the development of their motor skills. The gallery, made possible by finding from The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, is named in memory of the Hon Chesterfield and Susan Brewster’s late son, Jairus. Overflowing with contemporary displays and exciting designs, the new Jairus Brewster Children's Gallery Exhibit called Explore is ready to welcome visitors between the ages of 3 and 13 years. The Gallery though is not just for the young but also for the young at heart and is an excellent opportunity for parents to engage in learn and play opportunities with their children.
Jubilee
The Jubilee Gallery and exhibition “In search of Bim” traces the pre-historic and historic development of Barbados up to the 1940s. Chronicling a period of over 4,000 years of humanity on the island, it captures the early habitation of the Amerindian peoples, and leads into the transition to the plantation society along with the consequential enslavement of Africans and their descendants. The story continues with freedom fighting of enslaved people as well as eventual Emancipation in 1838. The exhibit continues with informative displays about the social and economic circumstances after emancipation, as well as the growth of local enfranchisement and government and social changes which challenged the continued oppression in Barbados. The exhibition concludes with a view of culture and industry in pre-Independence Barbados, including indigenous architecture, sport, fishing, and craft.
Military
The Military Gallery pays homage to the history of the Garrison and showcases the historical development of the armed forces in Barbados from the 17th century until the end of World War II. The regalia, armaments, medals and photographs displayed in this Gallery visually represent significant military milestones in the island’s history from militias used in the 17th century to the development of the Barbados Defence Force in the 1970s. It also traces the development of the second oldest regiment in the Commonwealth; Barbados’ development in the 18th and 19th centuries into the Headquarters of the British Army and Navy for the entire Caribbean; and the names of those who lost their lives in both World Wars. It also highlights the West India Regiment and the Black lives that were lost in the wars in an attempt to diversify the whitewashing of history related to World War I and II.
Warmington
Set up as four period rooms from a plantation house, this gallery recreates the colonial lifestyle of the planter class during the mid-18th to late 19th centuries. Glassware, ceramics, silver, furnishings and fine art textiles are lavishly displayed within this gallery which takes the form of a master bedroom, nursery, dining room, and living room. Items of particular interest are the locally made 1830’s West Indian mahogany four-poster bed and the mahogany Chippendale piecrust table. The dining room features a large mahogany sideboard and dining table set with exquisite ceramic ware from the Farley Hill Collection.