If you happen to be thinking of a special gift for the person who has everything why not offer a tour of the Tucker House Museum. One of the finest historical properties in Bermuda, it is located on Water Street, St. George's. For the past 17 years this impressive landmark, owned by the Bermuda National Trust, has been lovingly tended by its devoted curator, Maude Carlington.

It is said that the house is the most typical of early Bermudian house construction although the date of the building is unknown. Archaeological evidence suggests that it was standing, largely as it appears today, by the middle of the 18th century.

Miss Carlington explained that in 1775 Thomas Smith sold the house to the Honourable Henry Tucker, Colonial Treasurer and President of the Governor's Council. It is believed that the Tuckers installed the large panelled doors with the decorative wood carvings, inspired by the Adams brothers, some time during the last quarter of the 18th century.

Miss Carlington explained that The Tuckers are one of Bermuda's oldest and most distinguished families. The first Tucker to arrive on the Island was Daniel, who came out from Kent in 1616 to serve as the Colony's second governor.

The home is handsomely appointed with lovely portraits and fine furnishings through out. In the drawing room are two important portraits of Colonel and Mrs.. Tucker, nee Anne Butterfield, painted in 1753 by Joseph Blackburn, a visiting artist who was also well know in New England. Major Henry Tucker (1658-1726) stands over the fire place

When you enter the house you can generally feel the harbour breezes dancing through and although there is no air conditioning it is relatively cool during these days of intense heat.

"I love meeting people each day and sharing the history with both visitors and locals. I keep the windows open and the breeze is constant.

"This house has a very nice atmosphere and as far as I know there are no ghosts. Everyday I do something in the way of house keeping but most of all I enjoy showing it off to people."

The furniture and silver collection is notable because it is largely inherited from the Tucker family. Much of the collection was originally assembled by President Henry's sister, Frances, who married a cousin, also named Henry Tucker.

The home was generously bequeathed to the Bermuda Historical Monuments Trust, predecessor of the Bermuda National Trust, by their great-grandson, Robert Tucker, when he died in 1950 at the remarkable age of 102.

A few of the lovely antiques include a superb Bermuda cedar tea table circa 1730-1740, along with a fine set of Bermuda cedar side chairs with caned seat (circa 1730). These and the tea table are thought to have once belonged to the original Tucker home, The Grove.

The bedroom has an English mahogany fur-poster bed with rice pattern carving, on which lies a hand sewn quilt. There is a rare example of a Bermuda cedar three-sided cradle in the nursery along with side chairs made for children.

The library house a handsome tilt-top table of Honduras mahogany, the top being of a single piece of wood.

Miss Carlington made a point of sharing the archaeological exhibit downstairs in the basement storage area.

They found large quantities of stylish and expensive ceramics from England and Europe. The quality of the wares and the existence of matched sets (which were uncommon at this time) suggest that the Tuckers were an affluent family.

Reports by Joanne Bowen and William Pittman of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation compared the findings with Williamsburg artefacts of the same period (1775-1807) and found a far greater range of types in Bermuda and suggest that Bermuda, with its excellent location for trade, had easier and earlier access to imported goods.

Miss Carlington, friendly and energetic, is also articulate and an excellent communicator. She and the Tucker House Museum are a perfect match.

Visiting Tucker House Museum is a wonderful way of learning about Bermuda history and a place where the entire family will discover interesting facts about our past.

Miss Carlington is always receiving so give her a visit as the museum opens daily from 10 a.m. to four p.m.

After you tour the museum why not have afternoon or morning tea with mayor. Michael Jones at Caffe Latte, or step over to Temptations on main street for a decadent dessert to accompany your beverage.