Although I grew up just down the road from Verdmont, the National Trust House Museum in Smith's Parish, I do not remember actually ever being inside the house until it became a BNT museum. I do remember, when very young, being in the front garden for a children's party.

In those days Smith's Parish was very rural and we children seemed to have the run of all the hills and valleys to explore. That included the land around Verdmont which was then situated in grand isolation on top of a hill, overlooking the South Shore. There lived two elderly spinsters who were thought of as somewhat eccentric, one in particular, who refused to ride in a car, once they became available after the Second World War. She walked everywhere. There was, then a certain air of mystery about the place. It was generally known that the house was devoid of any modern amenities, such as electricity or plumbing. It may have even been considered haunted.

As to the history of the house, my knowledge was piecemeal. Except for its recent history, it was only when it became a museum that I learned about an earlier occupant, John Green, one of our earlier artists, who was primarily a portrait painter. Other than that I knew almost nothing until the National Trust book on Smith's Parish was published a few years ago.

Until recently, visitors to Verdmont would have seen are period rooms with suitable Bermuda made furniture, but with almost nothing that was historically connected to the house.

There is an important exception, however: the John Green's portraits, which hang along the walls in various rooms. In other words, it was possible, until recently, to visit this historic house and come away with a general sense of what a Bermuda house from the 18th century, might have looked like, but with no real knowledge of the actual history of the place.

All of this has changed. Recently opened in the third floor attic, there is now a very useful exhibit of Verdmont's history, including information about who had it built and an approximate date of its construction, plus a lot of other historical information.

The exhibition itself, especially the text panels, are noteworthy for being clearly presented and easily readable. Additionally, along with the written material, there is on display, item of interest belonging to the house, that, at times have come to light through archeological digs on the property.

The National Trust historic houses, that are open to the public, generally show period rooms and this is a useful way to get a sense of what interiors, back then, might have looked like, however, it is also possible that most will see mainly the rooms, with all their furnishings as mere background. It is sometimes constructive and educational to display certain objects, such as a piece of furniture out of context, so that we really see the object as a singular piece, that is worthy of close scrutiny. This is what is happening with the new display at Verdmont.

If you have not visited Verdmont recently, It is worth checking it out again, especially with the new display in place. I think most will enjoy it and learn something about our past. This exhibit, although small, is highly recommended.