Heritage Collection is a microcosm of the different facets of life of the Anguillian people and provides a stimulating insight into the Anguilla of old. Its impressive array of archaeological and historical artefacts spans many years of Anguillian history from the golden age of the Arawaks to the 1967 Revolution.
Heritage Collection is a journey through time which starts with a look at the rich culture of the Arawaks, who established about forty villages here some 4,000 years ago. It continues with the island's settlement in 1650 by the English who introduced sugar and slavery, the origin of Anguilla's predominantly African population.
Because of the island's limited land mass and natural resources, its people were forced to take the sea to supplement their slender earnings from their provisions grounds and from labouring in the salt ponds. As a consequence, they became expert sailors, fishermen and boat builders. The museum highlights the island's fishing and boat building industries as well as the salt industry which collapsed in the 1980s.
Early twentieth century life in Anguilla is given considerable prominence. The several household implements of that era provide an appreciation of its people's innovativeness.
The journey through time climaxes with an impressive display of the 1967 Revolutionary Era, a turning point in the history of Anguillian people.
Apart from its interest to local students, researchers and the public in general, Heritage Collection has been a great attraction to visitors in search of historical information on Anguilla and of a better appreciation of its people and their culture. It has caught the attention of the international media and has received excellent reviews from the travel trade press.
A visit to Heritage Collection is an education in Anguilla's history. And there is no better place to get it.
Inquiries: Call 235 7440
Heritage Collection Museum
4th November 2003