Barbados / Special Interests / Museums

There is a good selection of museums on Barbados, some of which are incorporated into popular attractions, such as the Garrison in Bridgetown, which houses the Barbados Museum; the Nidhe Israel Museum, which is part of the Jewish Synagogue in the capital; or the collection of memorabilia at George Washington House, the place where the future American president stayed as a boy on his only journey outside America. With three floors of themed displays, the Arlington House Museum in Speightstown gives a fascinating insight into the country’s past.

Museums in Barbados include:

Arlington House Museum, Speightstown - This interactive museum boasts a fascinating collection of old photographs, pictures and artefacts from the island’s past. Housed over three floors in a restored 18th century building, the displays are themed into sections, with Speightstown Memories covering the lives of the first settlers; Plantation Memories recounting colonisation and plantation life; and Wharf Memories, looking at Speightstown’s importance as a port and trade hub.

The Barbados Museum & Historical Society, St Ann’s Garrison - Located in the heart of the historic Garrison, the museum is set in what was once the British military prison. It now houses a full description of Barbados life, with information about natural history, Amerindian life and colonial Bajan times, with displays of 18th century plantation furnishings. There is also a Children’s Gallery and a delightful collection of rare maps and prints. The museum also has a good research library.

The museum gift shop stocks West Indian books, reproductions of antique maps, paintings and prints, local handicraft and jewellery, the museum’s Heritage Collection, and Classic Card collections (series of Christmas cards). Opening hours are 9am to 5pm Mon-Sat and 2pm to 6pm Sun. The research library opens 9am to 1pm Mon-Fri.

George Washington House, The Garrison - Barbados was the only country outside America that George Washington ever visited. At 19, George and his half brother Lawrence spent two months in Bush Hill House in late 1751. A former plantation house built in 1719, the house has now been fully restored and was officially opened to the public in January 2007. There is now a museum upstairs and the ground floor has been furnished with period pieces. Outbuildings have also been restored, including the kitchen, mill and stables.

Jewish Synagogue and Nidhe Israel Museum, Bridgetown - Dating from 1654, this is one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere, though it was destroyed by hurricane in 1831 and then rebuilt. But in the years that followed, and with the dwindling number of Jews on the island, the building fell into disrepair and was sold in 1929. However, in 1983, it was bought back by the Jewish community and restored. The museum within tells the story of the Jewish community in Latin America and how some Jews came to Barbados to escape persecution in Brazil, bringing their sugar producing expertise with them. It also details the rise, fall and rise of the Jewish community on the island.

National Heroes Gallery and Museum of Parliament, Bridgetown - Informative exhibits with good use of visual and interactive material,housed within the West Wing of the Parliament Buildings. Visitors can tour the buildings and guided tours are available. Open Monday and Wednesday-Saturday from 9am-4pm.

Sir Frank Hutson Sugar Museum & Factory, St Thomas - Located next to Portvale Sugar Factory and run by the National Trust. Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm. Tours of sugar factory are available during the grinding season. 

Springvale Eco Heritage Museum, St Andrew - A former 200-acre sugar plantation converted into a folk museum. Also has a nature trail and snack bar.

Non-profit organisations and Government links:

The Barbados Museum & Historical Society, St Ann’s Garrison, St Michael, t 436 1956, museum@caribsurf.com, www.barbmuse.org.bb

Contributors: Deana Bellamy