HISTORIC ST. GEORGE'S: A Vision for the Future

The Town of St. George is a unique place. Steeped in history but very much alive, our town is a vibrant community where echoes of the past reflect a lively, thriving present. Here visitors can walk in the footsteps of Bermuda's ancestors; wander narrow alleyways and winding lanes that seem untouched by time and explore a setting that has inspired artists and writers for centuries while meeting modern craftspeople at work in their studios today, all in the place where Bermuda was born.

The mission of The St. George's Foundation is to invest in the Town's future by providing cultural, educational and recreational experiences that will benefit both residents and visitors now and for generations to come. We will work to support and revitalise the local economy by creating new opportunities for business, and to develop Historic St. George's as a world tourism destination by creating a first-class Heritage Centre with a full range of related activities, from walking tours and educational programmes to lively historical reenactments and open-air concerts in the Square.

The Foundation's vision for St. George's involves more than bricks and mortar. It's about fostering a sense of pride among citizens and developing a rejuvenated town that's alive with activity and excitement, a place people will want to visit time and time again. It's about ensuring that for residents and visitors alike, now and in the future, not only will Historic St. George's be the place where Bermuda began, but the place where Bermuda begins.

HISTORY

Settled in 1612, St. George's, Bermuda is the oldest continuously occupied town of English origin in the New World. It provides a magical experience to all who explore its winding lanes and enter buildings largely untouched by the passing centuries, and presents an unparalleled opportunity for people to learn about and experience Bermuda's culture, history and heritage.

In 1995, a major public-private partnership was coordinated by the Corporation of St. George's to produce a definitive plan for the future of the Town – one that would focus on preserving and enhancing the Town's unique history. The outcome was The St. George's Town Heritage Plan: “Bringing History to Life”.

The Plan recommended the formation of an independent, not-for-profit foundation to raise funds and facilitate implementation of the various projects identified as ways to “bring history to life” within the Town. The St. George's Foundation was born in 1997.


TODAY

The Foundation's primary activities are devoted to ensuring the implementation of the capital improvement projects identified within The St. George's Town Heritage Plan. Through such restoration and enhancement projects and through a variety of other educational initiatives, the Foundation is ensuring that the unique and fascinating history of St. George's, Bermuda, will be brought to life for residents and visitors alike.

The Foundation's work is largely coordinated through the efforts of volunteers, including a distinguished Board of Trustees, an Honorary Council, an Advisory Committee, and a Capital Campaign Board responsible for fundraising.

ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

In November 2000, ‘The Historic Town of St. George and Related Fortifications’ were designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Heritage, Educational and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

Creating educational opportunities for Bermuda's students

Fundraising to complete the key restoration and improvement projects set out in the St. George's' Town Heritage Plan:
1. Creating a World Heritage Visitors Centre
2. Restoring Derelict Historic Properties through a revolving endowment fund
3. Developing the Waterfront
4. Improving the Town's Historic Streets & Gardens

Bringing the unique heritage and history of St. George's to life

Created innovative long-term local, Island-wide and international partnerships with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Jamestown/Yorktown Foundation, and the Historic Charleston Foundation; and The Bermuda Department of Tourism to name a few, to bring the unique aspects of Bermuda's early history to life for our overseas visitors.

Participating in the community

Please help us unlock the full potential of the remarkable Town of St. George by becoming a member of The St. George’s Foundation today!