Brimstone Hill Society celebrates International Museum Day

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN celebration of International Museum Day, the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society (BHFNPS) held an open day yesterday (May 17) in which persons were granted free admission to the historical site.

According to a communiqué released by the International Council of Museums, International Museum Day was created in 1977 to encourage awareness about the role of museums in the development of society.

Speaking exclusively to SKNVibes, BHFNPS General Manager Kate Orchard informed that the initiative was undertaken to demonstrate how heritage could bring tourists and the local community together in a mutually beneficial relationship. The theme of this year’s celebrations is “Museums and Tourism”.

Orchard also revealed that BHFNPS staff members had erected an exhibit consisting of photographs of various places on the hill. Entitled “Through Our Eyes”, the display depicted a variety of scenes including the architecture, graffiti drawn by past soldiers, the 100 steps leading down to the cemetery and the Orillon Bastion, and current restoration work.

While expounding on the day’s theme, the General Manager noted that the BHFNPS possesses “a long and productive partnership” with the Ministry of Tourism, particularly in the areas of marketing and exposure.

“The BHFNPS works closely with the Ministry of Tourism in terms of photographers, videographers or tour operators coming to the site. That has resulted in increased tourist traffic at the hill and also in the number of visitors coming to St. Kitts on a whole.

“We have also had booths in some of the trade shows the Ministry has participated in, such as that of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. I think the government recognises that heritage tourism is a profitable endeavour, and the Society is open to deepening that partnership so more persons can be made aware of and become appreciative of local history,” said Orchard.

The BHFNPS is a voluntary organisation founded in 1965 with the mandate of managing and administering the affairs of Brimstone Hill National Park. It is open every day from 9:30 a.m.