A Shared Heritage
“Whether visiting from the US or the UK, there are aspects of Bermuda’s history in everyone’s heritage — at the end of the day, we are all in this together” observed leading archaeologist, Dr. Edward Harris, while taking the time to sit down with Winnow to discuss what makes Bermuda’s heritage so rich, and how visitors can best experience it.
When asked what the single most important thing that visitors to the island should know about in terms of the island’s heritage, Dr. Edward Harris summed it up in one word, limestone. Surprised by this, we had to explore further. Dr. Harris went on to explain that the island’s geology laid the foundations for its cultural identity. The fact that Bermuda is a limestone cap sitting on top of an extinct volcano has allowed for a unique and lasting architectural vernacular, culminating in over 3000 buildings of historic importance. For much of the island’s history, buildings were constructed of the durable yet easy to cut limestone, whereas construction on other islands at the time was typically in less permanent wood. Therefore Bermuda’s buildings have stood the test of time. As such, in the 1600’s, when people settled Bermuda and started to build, they created an enduring permanent symbol of our country, one that is now the cornerstone of the country’s identity.
“I have always said that solid architecture teaches young people a sense of place, and for that reason the sense of being a Bermudian would be very different if it weren’t for our architecture.”
Dr. Harris recently finished his tenure as the director of Bermuda’s National Museum and has spent his life documenting and protecting the island’s heritage. He points out that not only is the preservation Bermuda’s architecture important for locals, it is paramount for our visitors’ experience. Bermuda’s distinctive architecture gives visitors a true understanding of the island’s history while also demonstrating how it differs from other tropical destinations.
However, for Dr. Harris, this importance of ‘place’ goes beyond just creating a satisfying travel experience, it is fundamental in creating a deeper connection with visitors, many of whom would be surprised to learn the significant impact the island has played in their own histories.
“Many wouldn’t know that it was a boat load of hogs brought over from Bermuda in 1610 that saved the original, starving, settlers of Jamestown, Virginia and consequently played a major role in the America we know today.”
When asked how visitors could learn more about Bermuda’s heritage, and subsequently, their own, Dr. Harris pointed out that there are four major categories of built heritage that can be found all across the island as well as in the waters surrounding Bermuda. They are domestic architecture, the island’s 19 forts, the 300 plus shipwrecks that are dotted around the bordering reefs, and of course the Royal Naval Dockyard. Further to this, Dr. Harris pointed out that any visitor vaguely interested in history absolutely must visit the town of St. Georges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most incredible concentrations of historic buildings in the world, where he congratulated the preservation and educational work of the Bermuda National Trust.
However, he added that there is nothing more impactful and revealing of a place’s true culture than a living and breathing home. A country’s heritage and identity cannot simply live on through its buildings, they are brought to life through its people, especially in Bermuda, where the locals are so proud of their culture and identity. Being invited into a local home to exchange stories, build friendships and reveal a shared heritage is the real way to create a lasting connection.
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