Students introduced to local history at Ferry Point Park

Owain Johnston-Barnes

Created: Nov 02, 2026 01:40 PM (Updated: Nov 02, 2026 04:33 PM)

Dalton E Tucker students are taught about early transportation in Bermuda by Anna Stevenson during a visit to Ferry Point Park (Photograph supplied)

Almost 300 Year 5 students explored Ferry Point Park as part of an educational programme launched by the St George’s Foundation.

During the visit — the first for more than half of participants — the pupils learnt about Bermuda’s first ferry crossing, coastal fortifications and the traditional process of making quicklime.

Stuart Smith, the St George’s Foundation chairman, said: “The learning goal of the programme is to teach students about the island’s history and heritage, including the social and economic impact of having hundreds of British soldiers in the community, as well as Bermuda’s role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

“This programme is part of SGF’s strategy to engage Bermuda’s students with our Unesco World Heritage Site, foster an understanding of its uniqueness and encourage future stewardship of our cultural heritage sites.”

The programme, designed to align with Year 5 social studies history curriculum, offered students insight into St George’s and its fortifications, along with its historical role as a British military outpost.

Larry Mills teaches students from West End Primary how quicklime was made (Photograph supplied)

An SGF spokeswoman said: “The multisession programme consists of two online learning sessions held before the on-site learning experience, and a third online wrap-up session.

“Introduced to field-learning techniques at Ferry Point Park, students explored the ferry landing, Martello tower and a 19th-century limekiln, with lessons from knowledgeable historical experts who explained historic structures, landmarks and events of the 1600s-to-1800s time period.”

Alison Outerbridge, an SGF manager, said the programme was now in its third year.

She thanked RenaissanceRe and AXA XL’s XL Foundation for helping to provide transportation for public school students from across the island.

Ms Outerbridge added: “This funding was key to the success of this initiative and helps ensure equitable access to on-site learning for Bermuda’s public school students.”

Nekesha Holdipp, a social studies education officer, added that the partnership with the Department of Education has created a programme that supports quality social studies instruction.

She said: “Students don’t just learn history — they see history, touch history and in the physical spaces start to connect the past to the present.”