The Fairmont Hamilton Princess Best Museums (Attractions & Activities) (10 Overall Closest) Metro: Bermuda Bermuda Aquarium, Natural History Museum & Zoo (Attractions & Activities - Museums) 40 N Shore Rd, Flatts Village  • 441-293-2727         Description: SMITHS PARISH. Interested in flora and fauna? The Natural History Museum traces Bermuda's geological formation and ecological development and highlights the island's role in the migration of Humpback Whales, pelagic fishes, marine turtles, and numerous species of birds. This Internationally recognized facility also includes the North Rock Tank – a 140,000-gallon replica of a local living coral reef. Be sure to come here BEFORE you go snorkeling so you'll be able to identify what you see. Bermuda Historical Society Museum (Attractions & Activities - Museums) 13 Queen St Par-la-Ville Park, Hamilton  HM 11 • 441-295-2487         Description: PEMBROKE PARISH. This Georgian-style home now houses Bermuda's public library and the Bermuda Historical Society. The house was originally built for William Bennet Perot, Hamilton's first postmaster. The museum has several noteworthy pieces of cedar furniture, antique silver, early Bermudian coins and ceramics. The sea chest and navigational equipment of Sir George Somers are also on display. Be sure to ask the archivist to show you the 1775 letter from George Washington requesting gunpowder for the Revolution. Bermuda Maritime Museum (Attractions & Activities - Museums) 1 The Keep Royal Navy Dockyard  MA 01 • 441-234-1418 • 441-234-1333         Description: SANDYS PARISH. The largest museum in Bermuda traces the island's extensive nautical history. Housed in a 19th-century fortress built by slave labor, six large halls feature exhibits about Spanish exploration, shipbuilding and the 20th-century cruise ship industry. Also on view are the fortress's defensive ramparts, gun ports, underground tunnels and ammunition magazines. The Shifting House, built in 1837, displays gold bars, silver coins, pottery and jewelry that have been salvaged from 16th- and 17th-century shipwrecks. Bermuda National Gallery (Attractions & Activities - Museums) 17 Church St City Hall, Hamilton  • 441-295-9428         Description: PEMBROKE PARISH. This art museum houses an extensive collection of permanent and rotating exhibits. The museum has a special focus on preserving paintings and other works of art that depict Bermuda or are by Bermudian artists. The permanent collection includes a number of 15th to 19th century European paintings by Reynolds, Gainsborough and de Hooch. Other artists represented include Georgia O'Keefe and Winslow Homer. In addition to paintings, many fine sculptures and photographs are displayed. Bermuda National Trust Museum (Attractions & Activities - Museums) 32 Duke of York St Globe Hotel • 441-297-1423         Description: ST GEORGE'S PARISH. This entertaining house museum chronicles its own unique history, and that of St. George's. It was built in 1699 as the Governor's residence for Samuel Day. Governor Day switched the house's title to his own name, which was not discovered until the new governor arrived to move in! The museum also has videos and displays explaining the Bermudian role in the United States' Civil War. Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (Attractions & Activities - Museums) 40 Crow Ln, Hamilton  HM 19 • 441-292-7219         Description: PEMBROKE PARISH. Open since 1997, this interactive center simulates an ocean dive 12,000 feet under the sea. Visitors sit in a small moving capsule, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a real submarine voyage. Other exhibits teach about Bermuda's shipwrecks, marine life and the history of undersea exploration. There's also a full-scale replica of Charles William Beebe's bathysphere. In 1934, just off the coast of Bermuda, he sat inside this cable-hoisted apparatus and was lowered 3,028 feet beneath the waves, thereby completing the world's first deep-sea dive. An exquisite collection of over 3,000 seashells is also on display. Bermudian Heritage Museum (Attractions & Activities - Museums) 4 Duke of York St • 441-297-4126         Description: ST GEORGE'S PARISH. In 1834, Bermuda's black residents were emancipated. Bermuda's Friendly Societies, an order of the Good Samaritans, helped the newly freed people with medical care, education and funeral expenses. This museum is housed in one of the original lodges run by the society. Exhibits include a history of the Friendly Societies, work by local artisans, photographs and various household objects. Replica of the Deliverance (Attractions & Activities - Museums) Ordnance Island         Description: ST GEORGE'S PARISH. Experience ocean travel as it would have been done in 1610! 'Deliverance" is a replica of the ship used to transport 100-plus people to the Jamestown colony. An audio presentation and mannequins in period dress allow you a glimpse into the cramped, dreary conditions that the settlers encountered. It's a humbling experience, and you'll be thankful that modern technology has made current travel more pleasant. Verdmont Historic House Museum (Attractions & Activities - Museums) 6 Verdmont Ln, Smith's Parish  FL 05 • 441-236-7369         Description: SMITHS PARISH. Verdmont is Bermuda's very own English manor, built in the 1700s. The house's history is varied, and it's been home to many prominent residents. Although the contents and furnishings on display are not original, they're fine examples of 18th century Bermudian cedar. Enjoy this little jewel – history seldom repeats itself in such a magnificent way. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.