The 367-year-old Forster Chair used by Bermuda Governors to deliver Throne Speeches is on its way to Jamestown, in Virginia.

The chair, which is normally on display in the Senate Chambers, will soon be part of an exhibition at the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Museum. A Bermuda Coat of Arms carved out of Bermuda Cedar, and usually on display above the Forster Chair, is also bound for Jamestown.

The exhibition, which opens on March 2, explores the shared history and links between England's first two permanent colonies in the New World, Bermuda and Jamestown.

It will also include two pieces of Hog Money from the Vestry of St. Peter's Church in St. George's, Hog Money commemorative stamps from the Bermuda Post Office printed in 1953 and the 1615 Somer Islands Company Charter of James I from the Bermuda Government Archives. The 1615 Charter officially separated Bermuda from the Virginia Company.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown has oversight of the country's Archives and signed a special application under the Historic Articles (Export Control) Act 1983 to make the loan possible.

The Forster Chair is made of Bermuda Cedar and is decoratively carved with the following inscription: Capt Josias Forster Esq Governor Of the Sumer Islands Ano. Do. 1642.

Both the chair and the Coat of Arms will be returned to Bermuda by October 30 so that they are in place for the next reading of the Speech to the Throne.

All of the items have been appraised and insured prior to their packaging and shipment. The Hog Money, the 1615 Charter and stamps will be hand delivered. Director of Archives Karla Hayward and former Bermuda National Gallery curator David Mitchell are overseeing the project.