A plate initially created in celebration of the Island's 300th anniversary was presented to the Bermuda Historical Society by historian Owen H. Darrell on Friday.

The plate, which includes an illustration of Sir George Somers in miniature, was presented to Society president Andrew Bermingham outside the Bermuda Historical Society Museum in Hamilton.

"The thing about this plate is that in 1909 there wasn't much fuss about the 300th anniversary, so items made celebrating the event are very rare indeed," said Mr. Bermingham.

Mr. Darrell theorised that many of the plates, made in Staffordshire, might have been used as just another household dish.

"I think that publicity about the plate might bring more to light," said Mr. Darrell. "This one must have been handed down through my family. I've never seen another one like it."

Along with the plate, Mr. Darrell presented Mr. Bermingham with an autographed copy of his booklet 'Sir George Somers Links Bermuda with Lyme Regis'. The book is to be placed in a time capsule in St. George's on Somers Day.

"I'm just glad they're not putting me in there, just the booklet," joked Mr. Darrell.

The plate will now be displayed alongside items celebrating the Island's 300th anniversary, and items that were owned by Sir George Somers, including a lode stone, a sea chest, two portraits and a copy of the map that Sir George drew of the Island.