MUSEUM OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Museum of Antigua and Barbuda has been a long-standing educational resource that is home to some of the most essential elements of Antiguan and Barbudan heritage, history and culture since the period of Independence. 

The home of the Museum is an artefact unto itself. The building where it is located is an eye-catching and iconic edifice in St. John’s known to many as the Old Court House, constructed in the middle of the 18th century.

The Museum is managed by the oldest continuously operating NGO in Antigua and Barbuda, the Historical and Archaeological Society (HAS). The society has launched a major initiative, called Unlock the Museum, aimed at placing in the hands of members of the public the keys to unlocking some of the institution’s most intriguing artefacts, untold stories and the amazing heritage collection of Antigua and Barbuda.

The Unlock the Museum initiative will feature several programs targeted at bringing our collections and our passion for archaeology and history to Antiguans and Barbudans. Interactive programs will be developed using the educational resources of the Museum.  This will result in new relationships with local, regional, and international visitors, schools, and organizations for educational outreach, research, and capacity-building initiatives whilst growing the Museum’s membership. Fundraising components are proposed to increase the Building Fund aimed at restoring the old Court House, St. John’s oldest structure, that currently houses the Museum.

“The COVID-19 pandemic severely limited the interaction, educational outreach, and general visitation of the Museum.  Now we are ready to share with you the best archaeological collections of artefacts and the most comprehensive research library in Antigua and Barbuda. Our expertise in all things historical, archeological, and cultural will expose you further to historical conservation,” noted Curator of the Museum Michelle Henry.

HAS will launch the initiative on the 18th of May 2023, which is International Museum Day. The first major activity will be a historical talk at Fort James to be held on the 20th of May 2023 starting at 4:30pm and hosted by Archaeologist Dr. Christopher Waters.

Following the launch, HAS will be hosting monthly public field trips and lectures led by Antiguan and Barbudan experts, visiting some of our most and least well-known heritage and historical sites across the nation. New museum exhibits will also be unveiled, along with many other special interactive workshops and social activities like trivia contests and games.

“Throughout the summer, we are also throwing open our research library, which contains the largest and most intact collection of materials published on the history, culture, archaeology, and culture of Antigua and Barbuda. You also have a role to play, by contributing to our collective knowledge by sharing your own stories about your family and community,” Henry further urged.

These programs are not just about unlocking information, but they are about reigniting access to a cultural heritage that will invoke a sense of pride and ownership that will in turn cement our identity as Antiguans and Barbudans.

You can even wear it on your t-shirt!  Sale on t-shirts $50.00 for all sizes. Museum 8:30 - 2pm.

Call 462/4930 to order.

Thank you for the support

There are endless possibilities for the resources available to you. You have the keys. Now Unlock!