St. George’s and related fortifications were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, on November 30, 2000 for their “outstanding universal value”. St. George’s was settled in 1609 and was Bermuda's first capital. It is the oldest continuously inhabited town of English origin in the New World, and has retained its charm and character into the 21st Century. Four hundred years of history can be found in the buildings architecture and military fortifications. Reenactments of the dunking stool and take place during the warmer months. Step back in time and enjoy the fun and educational orientation exhibits at the St. George’s Foundation.
There are countless options to experience history in St. George's. Our friends at the bermuda.com Guide have a fantastic new spread on the old towne. You can see it here.
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St. George's Foundation
The mission of The St. George's Foundation is to invest in the Town's future by providing cultural, educational and recreational experiences that will benefit both residents and visitors now and for generations to come. We will work to support and revitalise the local economy by creating new opportunities for business, and to develop Historic St. George's as a world tourism destination by creating a first-class Heritage Centre with a full range of related activities, from walking tours and educational programmes to lively historical reenactments and open-air concerts in the Square. |
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St. George's Historical Museum
A visit to the St. George’s Historical Society Museum will reward you with further evidence of island history. Among other treasures, this 18th century Bermuda home contains: |
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The Globe Hotel
This grand two-story house was built by Governor Samuel Day in 1699 to serve as Government House. When his troubled administration came to an end in 1701 Day refused to surrender the house to the new Governor, Benjamin Bennett. Day’s protest was short-lived as he was arrested for debt and died in prison. In 1722 a new Government House was built and the property was acquired by the Tucker family who lived there until the 1860s. During the American Civil War Major Norman S. Walker Confederate Political Agent, used the upper floor as his headquarters. After the Civil War the house was used as a hotel. Now the property is owned by the Bermuda National Trust to interpret the role of the Confederacy in Bermuda. The museum is open every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission: Adults $5, Children $2 (6-18 years) |
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Tucker House Museum
When Confederate soldiers began to draft Free Blacks to work on Charleston’s fortifications, Joseph Hayne Rainey and his wife Susan escaped to Bermuda aboard a blockade runner. The Raineys quickly embraced Bermudian life, Joseph becoming a member of Alexandra Lodge 1026 of the Grand Order of Odd Fellows, and later the first Black man in the House of Representatives. At Tucker House, you will find the Rainey memorial room, where you can view copies of speeches he made during his term in the House of Representatives, and other memorabilia. |
