The project is expected to be completed by May, although the St. David's Island Historical Society, the leaseholder of the home, has only raised around $36,000 of the $136,000 costs.

The home, which currently has memorabilia from the US baselands period, will feature fishing and boating equipment from the 1930s and earlier.

Historian William S. Zuill said the ancient building had been treated well by the US Air Force and navy, but it needed roof repairs, plastering and new plumbing and wiring.

The top floor of the building will become the principal display area while the old kitchen downstairs, with its enormous fireplace, will be restored to its original state.

Mr. Zuill said the cottage was one of the oldest stone houses in Bermuda, but it was difficult to put an exact date on it.

He said: "Some say it dates back to the 1600s while others say it was built in the early 1700s.'' The Bermuda Land Development Company chipped in more than $10,000 for the refurbishment, with private backers including the Bank of Bermuda also contributing.