Antigua and Barbuda / Museums

The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, St John’s - Based in a grand building, the old Courthouse from 1750, near the highest point in town. The exhibits give a run-down of the island from its first geological stirrings, through Amerindian settlement, colonial, plantation and naval history to the modern independent Antigua of today. Exhibits include things as varied as Arawak zemies (small gods or icons), colonial household implements and even the cricket bat of Sir Vivian Richards, the former West Indies team captain.

The Dockyard Museum, English Harbour - Located in the former naval officers’ quarters, a lovely wooden building, the museum tells the story of English Harbour from its earliest beginnings as home to Amerindians,  to its development as a naval fitting station. There are models of ships and some interactive displays for children including rope climbing and a display of how the huge capstans would expose ship hulls for careening. There is also a mock-up of Nelson’s bedroom and a gift shop.

Non-profit organisations and Government links:

The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, Long Street, St John’s, St John, t 462 1469, museum@candw.ag, www.antiguamuseums.org

Dockyard Museum, Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, St Paul, t 460 1379, info@dockyardmuseum.org, http://dockyardmuseum.org