Exciting events have been in the works for The St. George’s Foundation as they launched their Orientation Exhibits Gallery in the World Heritage Centre, Penno’s Wharf, on Tuesday, June 27, 2006.

The Gallery formally opened at 6 p.m. for a 6.15 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony and cocktail reception by the chairman of The St. George’s Foundation, J. Henry Hayward.

The Minister of Tourism and Transport Dr. Ewart Brown was in attendance for the formal opening. Numerous patrons, members and interested guests supported the delightful event.

Mayor, Mariea Caisey, was on hand to lend her support. The music played, refreshments abounded and a spectacular evening was had.

“The St. George’s Foundation has been working on the restoration of the Queen’s Warehouse into the World Heritage Centre, since its groundbreaking in July, 2004, and this event is an important milestone,” said chairman, J. Henry Hayward.

St. George’s is where Bermuda began. As a World Heritage site, the Town of St. George and its related fortifications offer an excellent opportunity to revitalise interest in our heritage and history.

The World Heritage Centre has created life and energy in the Town. It is a building designed to benefit and engage many audiences: cruise ship visitors, hotel guests, local residents and students, convention groups, business visitors and heritage professionals.

From a tourism perspective, the World Heritage Centre allows visitors to understand and appreciate the rich and varied history we share and the role Bermuda played in historical events affecting the United States, Europe, the Caribbean and Africa.

The exhibits foster a better awareness of this shared history, encourage repeat visits and renew interest in East End activities, giving life and energy to the Town. It also acts as a catalyst to enhance and complement Bermuda’s tourism programmes and cultural activities.

“The World Heritage Centre serves as an advocate of other museums located in St. George’s, as well as other cultural museums throughout Bermuda.

“The Orientation Exhibits Gallery will spark one’s interest and encourage our visitors to explore the real museum, the Town of St. George,” stated Sharon Jacobs, Executive Director.

The Orientation Exhibits Gallery vividly showcase the following aspects of Bermuda’s history:

[bul] The Age of Discovery,

[bul] Our historic links to Jamestown and the first settlements,

[bul] The wreck of the Sea Venture,

[bul] The story of Bermuda’s first forts,

[bul] A model of the Town, “New London”,

[bul] Maritime heritage,

[bul] The Gunpowder plot, blockade running and the US Civil War; and

[bul] A Children’s Discovery area so children may learn about characters of the past in a visual and entertaining way.

“We wish to thank the Bermuda Government for their support and funding grant which has allowed this Orientation Exhibits Gallery to be completed in one year,” commented Mr. Hayward.

Mrs. Jacobs said: “We also wish to commend Brimstone Media Ltd. for their work on exhibit concept, design and production oversight of the Orientation Exhibits Gallery and Taylor Studios Inc. for the production of the diorama murals and all exhibit models.

“We are very impressed with their work and proud of these exhibits.”

The exhibits are impressive and communicate the history of St. George’s shipbuilding and whaling industry. If you have not seen them they are well worth a tour into the life of yesteryear through the 1700 and 1800s.

Mrs. Jacobs concluded: “Over 100 persons attended the opening of the Orientation Exhibits Gallery at the World Heritage Centre.

“We received numerous compliments on the Exhibits Gallery and the outstanding quality of the exhibits.”