History enthusiasts will be able to travel back in time to explore Bermuda’s past free of charge next month.

The National Museum of Bermuda is opening its doors for free to all residents during February, thanks to the sponsorship of insurance firm BF&M.

The museum, located at Dockyard in Sandys, has more than 80,000 artefacts in its collection, covering a range of diverse topics including Bermuda’s cultural links with the West Indies and Azores, transatlantic slavery and slavery, Bermuda’s defence heritage, shipwrecks and the early settlement of the island.

The 16-acre property also contains jaw-dropping views, massive cannon, local watercraft, a stunning mural and a children’s playground.

Elena Strong, the museum’s executive director, said: “We are thrilled to have BF&M’s support again this year. Non-profit and private partnerships like this are vital and allow us to carry out our work to make learning Bermuda history to part of every educational journey on Island.

“Being able to continue opening our doors for free of charge allows us to better connect residents to a more diverse and inclusive Bermuda history.”

The museum’s newest exhibit, Homestead, by the photographer Meredith Andrews, features ten multigenerational Bermudian families in front of their homes.

The large-format family photographs are an artistic response to the NMB’s Bermuda Family Scrapbook project and capture the fortitude of family life in Bermuda.

Abigail Clifford, the president and chief executive officer of BF&M, said: “We are very proud to sponsor Free for February at the National Museum of Bermuda.

“We believe that by celebrating and commemorating our diverse history in Bermuda, we can help to promote a more inclusive future for our Island.

“We’re honoured to be a part of this unique and meaningful event and invite everyone to join us this February to explore and appreciate our island’s rich history.”

Throughout February, visitors to the museum can pick up a family activity guide to dive deeper into the museum’s collection and Bermuda’s history.

The museum will also launch its Black History in Bermuda tour to highlight the contributions of black community leaders

Resident NMB yoga teacher Lisa Wingood will be offering a free yoga class on Saturday, February 25, in honour of Black History Month. To register, click here.

Free for February visitors can also enter a weekly raffle to win a free family membership.

The museum will be hosting a community day on Sunday, February 26 featuring food vendors, door prizes, palmetto weaving workshops, art activities, a family yoga/breath class, tours of the Hall of History with artist Graham Foster and other exhibits

To take advantage of Free for February, Bermuda residents should bring proof of residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill.

NMB is open every day from 10am until 5pm. For more information, click here.