The Bermuda Maritime Museum was established in 1974 and opened to the public in June, 1975. A private organisation, it started as a committee of the Bermuda National Trust and was set up separately shortly thereafter, according to director, Dr. Edward Harris.

The museum, which is located in the Keep at the old Royal Naval Dockyard, is a six-acre fort held on a 99-year lease from the Bermuda Government through the National Trust. And it contains dozens of buildings which have an outstanding importance architecturally, said Dr. Harris.

General operations of the museum are funded by donations and gate receipts from an average of 55,000 visitors annually. And the Museum's 13 members of staff are supported by local and visiting volunteers.

"More than $10 million dollars has been spent in restoring the property,'' said Dr. Harris. "And an equal amount or more was invested in terms of volunteers and donations from the private sector,'' he added.

Planners spent the first decade in the museum restoring its lower level. "We put every bit of energy and cash into fixing the derelict buildings which were left behind after 25 years of neglect,'' said Dr. Harris.

And the past decade was spent restoring the ramparts as well as the Commissioner's House which include four acres of grounds and two major wings.

But outside of the renovations, the staff at the museum have accomplished a great deal. "We manage to display an average of two exhibits in the museum per year,'' said Dr. Harris.

"As well, we've established two major publications -- Quarterly magazine and an annual journal which includes historical scientific information. The museum also publishes books and will continue to do so -- we want to put some important Bermuda books back on the shelves,'' he said.

The Maritime Museum recently constructed a conservation laboratory through the generous donations of Corange Ltd. And the museum is involved with the Department of Education in an effort to strengthen the school curriculum.

"Schools can take advantage of the facilities here particularly at the new conservation lab which is a major scientific operation,'' noted Dr. Harris.

Ten years ago, the Maritime Museum also embarked on a major research programme in archaeology both underwater and on land. The National Trust as well as overseas universities and museums are working together on the project, said Dr. Harris.

"In this regard, we work all over the Island advising and assisting in the preservation of historic buildings,'' he said. "Our most recent project,'' he added, "was the excavations at Castle Island.'' The Bermuda Maritime Museum served as an anchor in attracting visitors to the Dockyard even before Government went through with the restorations.

"And the Maritime Museum was the foundation upon which Wedco was able to launch their re-development of Dockyard,'' said Dr. Harris.

"We were already pulling in more than 45,000 visitors,'' he said. "And now the rising tide is raising all ships -- as businesses in the area grow, we too will benefit and vice-versa.'' The Bermuda Maritime Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except Christmas Day.

NEPTUNE -- Greets visitors to the museum.

A TREASURE TROVE -- The Maritime Museum is an attraction for many of the Island's visitors.