CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN BARBADOS
(New York, NY), February 8, 2012 – This February, honor Black History Month by exploring the rich African heritage offered by the island of Barbados. From plantation houses to freedom statues, the sun-drenched island is filled with moving history which is still very much alive and revered today. Craft your own itinerary from some of the fascinating heritage sites below and discover the island’s history found around every corner:
Rock Hall Freedom Village, the first black freehold village was developed after Emancipation following a bequest of 85 pounds sterling by Reynold Alleyne Elcock, a white planter, to each of his slaves. In 1840, these slaves bought plots in this area with the funds they had inherited and named it Rock Hall Village, after the original plantation, Rock Hall.
Visit the moving Newton Slave Burial Ground, the only known excavated communal slave burial ground in the Western Hemisphere situated on the site of a plantation establishment where enslaved persons were born, lived, worked, died and buried during the 16th, 17th and early 18th century.
Sunbury House
Over 300 years old, and the only plantation house in Barbados with all of its rooms open for viewing, Sunbury Plantation House displays the grand style of life on a successful sugar plantation and is furnished with a superior collection of antiques. With fascinating old prints, clothing, domestic and agricultural equipment and implements, and a collection of horse-drawn carriages, it gives a captivating and very complete picture of everyday plantation life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Built of coral limestone hewn from Barbados’ quarries, Sunbury is a monument to both the beauties and practicalities of classic West Indian plantation architecture. Such design is a marvel in itself, with built-in methods to provide security, beat the heat, weather fierce storms, and maintain the social hierarchy between master and servant.
A café and bar provide meals and refreshments.
Sunbury Plantation, St. Philip, near Six Cross Roads
(246) 423-6270
Open daily 9 am to 5 pm. Last tour begins at 4:30 pm.
Cost: Bds $15 adults; $7.50 children under 12
www.barbadosgreathouse.com
Barbados Museum
Housed in a 19th century military prison building (one of only twelve constructed anywhere in the British Empire and unique to the region,) this is arguably the leading museum in the Eastern Caribbean.
The “Connections and Continuities” exhibit honors African heritage – from man’s first footsteps on earth to a glimpse of modern urban centers, this gallery illuminates the diversity of the African continent and its legacy in the creation of Caribbean society. Other exhibits include: natural history; early Amerindian inhabitants; military, town and country life; a partial interior of an 18th century plantation house, and rare historical maps. Two areas are of special note: The Yesterday’s Children gallery entices young ones for hands-on fun with crafts and clothing.
The Garrison, St. Michael/Christ Church border
(246) 427-0201
Open Monday – Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 2 pm to 6 pm
Cost: Bds$11.50 adults; $5.75 children
www.barbmuse.org.bb
Gun Hill Signal Station
To facilitate communication in the days before telephones, signal station sites were chosen for their long, clear views of other hilltop stations. Like the others, Gun Hill therefore commands a panoramic view of the landscape below. Built in 1818, it has been restored by the Barbados National Trust and houses a collection of military memorabilia.
Internal security was the overarching purpose of the stations. They not only provided a way of communicating in emergencies, but were also used as rallying points in the event of civil disorder. The slave rebellion of 1816 must have been a terrifying reminder to colonists, and planters in particular, that they were grossly outnumbered by slaves, a precarious position to be in. It is quite likely that this event motivated the construction of signal stations. The stations also proved useful to announce the approach of ships.
Gun Hill, St. George
(246) 429-1358
Open Monday – Saturday 9 am to 5 pm
Cost: Bds $10 adults; $5 children 6 – 12; $3 under 6
www.funbarbados.com
Bussa Emancipation Statue
Bussa was the leader of one of the first slave revolts of Barbados in 1816. The revolt pitted imprisoned slaves against the bigots and plantation owners of Barbados. Just east of Bridgetown, the Emancipation Statue is the work of Barbados' best known sculptor Karl Broodhagen and symbolizes the breaking of the chains of slavery at Emancipation.
Located at the J.T.C. Ramsey roundabout at the Haggatt Hall junction.
Arlington House
Typical of the style that Barbadian settlers carried to Charleston S.C., this restored 18th century merchant’s house is now a museum that tells stories of sugar, seafaring and trade. Located in Speightstown, St. Peter, this museum features the interactive story of Barbados, and its rich heritage. Arlington House was also previously the home of the Skinner merchant family for two hundred years. The Skinners owned their own Jetty- “Skinner’s Jetty” which was a stone’s throw away. They operated a Ships Chandlery from the ground floor, signifying the important and busy trading status of Speightstown in the former age of sail.
Speightstown, St. Peter
(246) 422-4064
Open Monday-Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm
Cost: Bds $25 adults; $12.50 children
Note: Entry to the ground floor is free, but the really good stuff is upstairs.
www.arlingtonbarbados.com
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About Barbados
The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes. Rated as one of the world’s sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados’ Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travelers. Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is an ideal stage for world-class events and in collaboration with American Express Publishing Corporation, Barbados has hosted its first annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival in November 2010. The country has also hosted numerous athletic championships, including the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via Jet Blue and American Airlines, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor’s ‘2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards’ in its Top 100 Destinations category. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, via Twitter @Barbados or contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1.800.221.9831.
Media contacts:
Kara Hoffman/Daphna Barzilay
The Brandman Agency
(212) 683-2442
kara@brandmanpr.com / daphna@brandmanpr.com
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Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 12:13PM 
