Antigua and Barbuda / Special Interests / Museums

Two museums – in St John’s and at Nelson’s Dockyard – tell the history of Antigua from the island’s geological beginnings and its Amerinidian settlements to its years under British rule and into more modern times and Antigua’s contribution to West Indies cricket.

The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, St John’s - The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is 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. They are a little lacklustre on first sight, but there is a lot of interest there if you take the time to consider and read. Antigua has an extraordinary history and this is interpreted in enlightening ways. 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 - Set 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 (some Arawak and Carib pottery and tools are on display) through early European presence (sailors left some of their instruments) to its development as a naval fitting station, when it was a hive of activity. 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.antiguamuseum.org

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

Contributions: Sara Macefield