A flock of resident sheep at the National Museum of Bermuda have inspired a fundraising effort just in time for the holidays.

“Keep a Sheep” ornaments and key chains, handcrafted by Lama Handmade Bda, are being sold online with all proceeds going to benefit the museum located at the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Katie Bennett, advancement officer at the NMB, said: “By purchasing a keychain and/or ornament you are helping to fund our exhibitions, the conservation of artefacts, restoration of historic structures, publications, education programming, and archaeology.”

She added: “Donations also help us make admission free for all local students and schoolteachers and children under 16. These ornaments and key chains are perfect holiday gifts for loved ones, or yourself, and you’ll be supporting your National Museum, too.”

Ornaments are available with black, grey, or brown felt for the sheep’s face and legs and are being sold for $20. Key chains are $15.

Both the ornaments and key chains can be personalised with holiday ribbons and bells and/or name tags for an extra $5, Ms Bennett said.

To purchase, visit www.nmb.bm/keepasheep.

Buyers may add a donation to the museum when making their purchase.

As a non-government and non-profit organisation, Ms Bennett said the NMB relies on admissions, venue hire and donations to fund its operations.

She added that the NMB’s flock of resident sheep became ambassadors of the museum on social media during Bermuda’s lockdown earlier this year, increasing the organisation’s social media reach by more than 400 per cent.

Ms Bennett said the flock, who are on loan from farmer Richard Bascome, are “four-legged lawnmowers and fertilisers”.

She added that they inspired a successful online appeal earlier this year, “Sheep-scape/Keepsake”, in which donors were asked to help name the resident sheep.

To view the 15 named sheep, visit www.nmb.bm/sheep.