Citizens are invited to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers on a heritage walk to celebrate Bermuda's 400th anniversary year.

The Bermuda 2009 Committee and Corporation of Hamilton yesterday launched the two-hour walking tour, which is marked by 25 bronze plaques through the capital's streets.

The idea for the City of Hamilton Walkway of History was inspired by Governor Sir Richard Gozney, who told the 2009 Committee of the Queen's Jubilee Walkway in the UK.

The commemorative plaques themselves have been made by the same company which produced the London pavement discs.

Conchita Ming, Bermuda 2009 Committee chairman, said: "The idea of a Walkway of History around the City of Hamilton began 18 months ago.

"The intent was to produce a Walkway utilising discs in the pavement to signify important historical stops throughout the City of Hamilton."

Each site had to meet two criteria being of historical, architectural, commercial, social or cultural significance.

The subcommittee members who decided the locations included Mrs. Ming, Linda Abend, Margaret Lloyd, Henry Ming, Zoe Mulholland, Glen Fubler, Michael Bradshaw, Edward Benevides and William Holmes.

Mrs. Ming said yesterday: "We hope that this Walkway will be enjoyed for many years to come and will perhaps serve as a model for other walkways across the Island for understanding our history allows us to understand ourselves."

She said that just as the Queen's Jubilee Walkway had added more sites of interest, so in Bermuda could the theme be expanded.

"We're hoping this is just the beginning, that we can add descriptive plaques and perhaps create similar walkways in the East End and in the West," she said.

Launching the City of Hamilton Walkway of History, city mayor Charles Gosling said: "The Corporation of Hamilton is pleased to partner with the Bermuda 2009 Committee on such an important, momentous project.

"Many hours of research, dedication and hard work have gone into creating this tour, which highlights important sites of historical, architectural, cultural and social significance within the City of Hamilton.

"I am honoured to stand before you today to launch what will become a Bermuda treasure for residents and a must-do experience for visitors.

"I encourage everyone to take the tour in whole or in part and rediscover our proud, significant and irreplaceable history in and around the City."

The self-guided tour starts outside City Hall at Nellie's Walk, the sidewalk in memory of Helen (Nellie) Rees, who was responsible for much early 20th century tree planting in Hamilton.

It proceeds to take in destinations as varied as the Leopards Club, St. Theresa's Cathedral, Alaska Hall, Dr. E.F. Gordon Square, Fort Hamilton, St. Paul AME Church, the Cenotaph, Freemasons' Hall and the Old Yacht Club Steps on Front Street.

A brochure is now available detailing the significance of each site, designed by Jackie Aubrey and Deleon Lottimore of the Department of Communication and Information.