NELSONS DOCKYARD NATIONAL PARK

14 November 2011 marks the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Restoration of Nelson’s Dockyard as a heritage tourism site. Not only is the site the most visited tourist venue in Antigua, it is also a vital component of our community, serving as a marina and the host to most of Antigua’s yachting events throughout the year. The National Parks Authority, along with other stakeholders, is planning a series of memorable events to commemorate the anniversary.

Nelson’s Dockyard holds a particularly important history in the British Caribbean. Built in the
eighteenth century, it was a centre of the Royal Navy for servicing British Warships. The Dockyard was decommissioned in 1890 and left to the ages. In the 1950s the Friends of English Harbour, with the assistance of Sir Blackburne, Governor of the Leeward Islands, began restoration of the abandoned facilities. Nelson’s Dockyard was officially reopened as a heritage tourism site on Prince Charles’ birthday, 14th November 1961.

In recognition of the fiftieth anniversary of the reopening of Nelson’s Dockyard a series of events will be planned. These events will include formal ceremonies and a gala ball as well as lectures, museum events, and a Heritage Fayre. The festivities will not only be a celebration but will also increase the public’s interest, knowledge, and appreciation of Antigua’s unique heritage and the role of the former naval station in the development of the British Empire and our history. Events will begin shortly after Independence and continue until the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show.

This event is of major significance to Antigua and Barbuda and we welcome your participation in these celebrations. If you are interested in being more involved, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Click here to view the schedule of events.