planning and collecting.

Bermuda Heritage Association vice-chairperson Joy Wilson Tucker said the group will open the museum at the Water Street, St. George's site on March 8.

And ex-prisoners from the Wood Shop will continue to put the finishing touches of paint and other minor details on the building.

Mrs. Wilson Tucker, who is also Coordinator of Artefacts, said display pieces and signage will be put in place during the next three to four weeks.

And while the appeal for donation of artefacts has seen a good response, Mrs.

Wilson Tucker was less enthusiastic about monetary donations.

"I wish I could say that we have lots of money to work with,'' she said.

"But it has been difficult to convince Bermudians of our importance.'' Mrs. Wilson Tucker said the association had not received any large donations, but groups like End-to-End, some lodges, and families of people who were in Friendly Societies have been helping.

A tour of the site by the Bermuda National Trust has helped to raise the profile of the Museum and activities are being planned to increase awareness like advertising and interviews.

In another move, the association has formed a new fund raising committee and "is full of energetic people''.

The lower floor of the museum will hold rotating exhibits that will highlight blacks and others' contributions to Bermuda.

The space will also be used for fund raising artists shows.

The recent death of co-founder Cyril Packwood had stunned the association and it plans to commemorate the historian.