On the edge of Par-la-Ville Park [1] in a trio of rooms inside the Bermuda National Library is the charming little Bermuda Historical Society Museum (Queen St., tel. 441/295-2487, apbermingham [at] logic [dot] bm, May–Oct. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Mon.–Fri., Nov.–Apr. 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri., admission free).
The Bermuda Historical Society Museum is run by knowledgeable volunteers, including some published historians, on behalf of the Bermuda Historical Society, a nonprofit group dating back to 1895 that promotes interest in the island’s past.
Par-la-Ville, the 1814 building that now houses the library, was once a gracious Georgian homestead, like many that lined Hamilton’s [2] streets in the 19th century. It has remained intact, its wooden veranda today overlooking the crush of traffic on Reid Street.
Outside, the landmark giant rubber tree also survives; it was planted in 1847 by the merchant William Perot, who built and lived in the house. The Bermuda Historical Society Museum’s prize artifacts include original “Hogge” money; 18th-century cedar furniture including a cradle and prayer chair; silver flatware made in Bermuda; oil portraits of key figures, such as the island’s founder, Admiral Sir George Somers; and ceramics and glassware that once belonged to local sea captains.
Be sure to take a look at the exquisite etched-glass hurricane shades in the dining room and the carved palmetto seats of the Queen Anne cedar chairs.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/bermuda/city-hamilton-and-pembroke-parish/the-city-hamilton/sights/par-la-ville-park
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/bermuda/city-hamilton-and-pembroke-parish/the-city-hamilton