Message from the Executive Director

BNT’s ability to respond to a literal ‘bolt from the blue’ was certainly tested when our office, Waterville, was struck by lightning in a thunderstorm on 13 August. It cracked the western chimney, zapped the two tall Canary Island date palms alongside it and fried our internet, security cameras and other tech systems. Fortunately, our Heritage Education Manager Anna Stevenson, who was outside by the chimney at the time of the strike, was unscathed, though shaken.

I’m proud to say the BNT team rose the challenge magnificently. The chimney was assessed and repaired to high conservation standards within days (with Hurricane Erin approaching, speed was essential). Our communications and security systems were also swiftly repaired. Our thanks to the contractors who responded so quickly.

Sadly, the two magnificent date palms, which were probably at least 100 years old, were killed by the lightning and had to be taken down. Waterville looks bare without them, but we will plant some new palms to replace them – though perhaps not quite so close to the house!

Karen Border

Executive Director

Artistic Skills Needed!

We are seeking someone with artistic talent and a steady hand who would be willing to touch up the embossed cast iron signs on our buildings and at some nature reserves. Many of the signs have lost their paint or faded over time. The lettering and logo needs careful touching up to restore them to their former glory and legibility. BNT will provide the paint to ensure that all the signs are conserved consistently. If you are willing to help with this project, please email palmetto@bnt.bm.

Natural Heritage Updates

Myles Darrell, Head of Natural Heritage

Weather Whiplash: Bermuda’s Year of Extremes

This year has been nothing short of extraordinary when it comes to Bermuda’s weather. The summer began with a parched landscape, leaving many of us worrying that we were heading into a season of drought. I left the island for six weeks bracing for the worst—only to return to overflowing tanks, knee-high grass, and what felt like a rainforest sprouting in my backyard.

Nature’s force was impossible to ignore. A lightning strike at our office not only caused costly damage but also killed two Canary Island date palms (Phoenix canariensis) that had stood proudly near the entrance. Losing them feels like losing old friends… very tall, leafy friends.

And yet, amidst all this, we count our blessings. Hurricane Erin swerved away, sparing us what could have been far worse. But the pattern is clear: Bermuda, like much of the world, is experiencing greater swings between extremes—too dry, too wet, too wild. These are no longer outliers but part of our new reality.

The Magic of Migration

Even as the weather keeps us guessing, nature still delivers its timeless rhythms. Fall migration is now underway, and Bermuda plays a vital role as a stopover site in the Atlantic Flyway. For many species, our wetlands, shorelines and open spaces offer essential food and rest during their long journeys south.

Already this season we’ve recorded some fascinating visitors: Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), several species of Warblers (family Parulidae), Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus), Godwits (Limosa spp.) and Willets (Tringa semipalmata). BNT’s nature reserves are the perfect place to take in this annual spectacle.

Come join the fun!

Our Community Days and Afterschool Clubs are firing up again at the end of this month. Rain or shine, we’re here for connection, learning and a little hands-on fun. Bring your energy (and maybe your gardening shears), and be part of something bigger.

Check out bnt.bm to see how you can get involved.

Cultural Heritage Updates

Dr Charlotte Andrews, Head of Cultural Heritage

Re-imagining Tucker House

This autumn, the project to restore and reinterpret Tucker House Museum begins in earnest. Tucker House on Water Street, St George’s was our first museum, opened in 1951. It was closed last year due to unsafe ceilings.

A full property condition assessment was carried out and we are now ready to move ahead with the conservation plan for the historic building and a complete re-imagining of the museum’s interpretation by our cultural heritage team. Our goal is to create an unforgettable experience, telling the stories of Tucker House, St George’s and Bermuda from the 1750s through the US Civil War and beyond.

Tucker House exteriors, credit: Meredith Andrews Photography

As we reimagine Tucker House, we invite descendants of the Tuckers, the Raineys and other connected families to get involved. If you have photographs, objects, or stories to share, please contact us—we would be delighted to include your voices in shaping the museum’s future.

Rainey Exhibit Co-Curator - Heritage Grant Awards

The Department of Culture has awarded BNT a Heritage Grant to support the co-curation of a new exhibit at Tucker House Museum honouring Joseph Hayne Rainey and his family. The grant will fund a Bermudian co-curator to work alongside our Head of Cultural Heritage, engaging Rainey descendants and community partners to research and shape the new exhibit. The co-curator role will be advertised soon.

Born into slavery in South Carolina to parents who later secured the family’s freedom, Rainey came to Bermuda with his wife during the American Civil War via the Underground Railroad because he was at risk of being forced to work for the Confederate cause. He ran a barber shop in Tucker House, St George’s before returning to the US where he became the first Black person to serve in the House of Representatives and the second Black member of Congress. His story endures as a powerful example of resilience and achievement and Tucker House is designated an African Diaspora Heritage Trail site in his honour.

Heritage Education Updates

Anna Stevenson, Heritage Education Manager

School is back in and it is time for our fifth Student Art Competition, sponsored by Sompo! The theme this year is “Wild Bermuda”. Details are in the flyer below or visit our website. The deadline to drop off entries is 31 October.

Our education schedule for the Fall Term is already filling up with bookings from many public and private schools covering themes such as the development of slavery in Bermuda, maritime heritage, fortifications, habitats, mapping and the environmental impact of humans. Teachers should complete the online booking form or contact education@bnt.bm to make bookings for field trips or online heritage education sessions.

This autumn, we are delighted once again to be supporting the St George’s Foundation in the delivery of their P5 education programme, including a site visit to Ferry Reach.

Half the places at our Funtastic Fall camp running 20 to 25 October 2025 have already sold, so we would encourage parents to book quickly to avoid disappointment!

Here are some Fun Family Activities for the Fall.