The culture minister has visited two museums in the historic former capital of the island.

Ernest Peets dropped in on the Bermudian Heritage Museum and the St George's Historical Society Museum as part of a tour of museums and cultural attractions.

Dr Peets said: "I broadened my awareness of centuries of Bermuda's history during these recent visits … if we are to protect, preserve, understand and promote our cultural legacy, we must embrace and learn more about our roots.“

He added that he valued “these occasions to visit our cultural institutions and speak directly with the dedicated and passionate curators, museum directors and staff are invaluable opportunities for me”.

Dr Peets said: “The last two years have taken a financial and emotional toll on our community. This includes our historic and cultural facilities, many of which are charitable organisations. They have all been affected.

“Government plays a vital role in assisting Bermuda’s museums and cultural institutions and we will continue to do our part by demonstrating our tangible support to ensure these institutions thrive as they are critical to our community. We encourage the public to do the same.”

The Bermudian Heritage Museum, near Somers Garden, opened in 1998 and documents the social, cultural and political accomplishments of Black Bermudians from before emancipation to modern times.

The St George's Historical Society Museum is in Mitchell House in St George, which was built in 1731 and converted into a museum in 1922.

The Department of Culture gave a grant of $5,000 to the St George’s Historical Society Museum to assist with the preservation important artefacts as well as the maintenance of Mitchell House and the cottage next door.

The Bermudian Heritage Museum is open from 10.30am to 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

The St George’s Historical Society Museum is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday from April to mid-December and on Wednesdays and Saturdays in winter months.