The National Museum of Bermuda will reflect on the history of the Royal Naval Dockyard next year to mark the anniversary of its closure.

The British-based Naval Dockyards Society recently announced that it would partner with the museum to host a special conference in Bermuda next year.

The conference had an “estimated date” to take place between May 29 and June 2.

In advance of the event, the organisation put out a request for papers on the history of the site.

“The Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, was a symbol of British military power for more than 150 years,” the NDS notice said.

“Today, it’s one of Bermuda’s most popular spots for visitors, home to the island’s biggest cruise ship pier and many restaurants, shops and attractions.”

Elena Strong, the executive director of the National Museum of Bermuda, said: “We are looking forward to hosting the Naval Dockyards Society conference at NMB next year, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the closure of the Royal Naval Dockyard.

“With a strong line-up of conference papers already secured, we are now reaching out to local stakeholders to collaborate and make the conference a success.”

The Royal Navy formally purchased the site at the tip of Sandys in 1795 to build the naval base, with construction beginning in 1809.

The Royal Naval Dockyard played important roles in the War of 1812 and the world wars.

The Royal Navy left the main dockyard in 1951, with most of the facilities shuttered by 1958. The naval base on the site, HMS Malabar, remained in operation until 1995.

In 1982, the Government established the West End Development Corporation, which converted the site into a popular tourism hub.