Heritage Museum, Science Centre tells history of SVG

On the outskirts of Kingstown, lies an interactive and educational attraction, which is managed by an animated and equally exciting guide.{{more}}

The Heritage Museum and Science Centre opened its doors in November of last year and not only offers exciting displays that date as far back to the 1700s, but a craft shop and science centre.

Curator of the museum, Lystra Culzac-Wilson explained that ever since an experience at the tender age of nine, it has been her dream to open a museum that expressed her appreciation for heritage. This desire, she said, was fuelled by her 100-year-old grandfather.

“I wanted to show children how to experience the environment and have fun with it,” she said. “You will see the beginning of a science centre that will teach students about biodiversity, animals and plants”.

Sticking to her objectives, Culzac-Wilson has created a small but educational science centre that features a fish pot, informative science projects and animal displays. She sometimes takes her displays to another level, for although the museum normally has no live animals, some are often brought in for children’s tours.

A bird display is also available at the museum, featuring birds that can be seen in St Vincent, particularly the Amazona Guildingii and whistling warbler, two birds that are native to the island.

Pieces in the museum range from black and white televisions and typewriters to cannon balls, spears and stone axes used by the Amerindians.

One of the attractively laid out exhibits is even dedicated to Dr Earl Kirby, a Vincentian who is famous for his archaeological research among other things.

“One of the things that we encourage here, is that we make sure that when children come, they get a hands-on experience,” the curator pointed out.

A crafty person at heart, the craft shop offers a variety of local art, mostly made by Culzac-Wilson herself. She has combined the tie dye technique with hand painting to create one of a kind pieces that are guaranteed to stand out.

The artist has even branched out to a line of natural and tie dyed jewelry to match.

“It takes about two to three weeks to complete a piece,” she told SEARCHLIGHT.

Also featured in the shop is flower art created by Jacintha Hope Knights. This intricate and beautiful art form features collaged scenes made using flowers and other parts of plants.

This combination of art, archaeological and heritage based, as well as educational pieces can be found at New Montrose, obliquely opposite the Botanic Gardens Exit.

Culzac-Wilson highlighted that one of the reasons for being located near the historic site is because she wanted to make sure that she built on the heritage of the country.

“It is the plan that people that visit the Botanic Gardens can get extra information here and something that will cement their visit to the Botanic Gardens,” she said.

The curator highlighted that most of the pieces in the museum were donated, others are family pieces. She also explained that a loan system is in place.

“If someone has something that they want to keep for themselves but won’t mind showing to the public for educational purposes, we will keep that as an on loan piece,” she said.

Additionally, Culzac-Wilson said that none of the items in the museum or science centre are for sale; most of the museum’s income is generated from the craft shop. Although there is no standard fee for viewing, persons visiting the museum are asked to make a donation, if possible.

For school tours, donations are only two dollars per person.

“While donations are welcome, our main objective is to educate,” she noted.

The museum is open from Monday to Friday at 9 a.m. For more information, Lystra Culzac-Wilson can be contacted at 784-593-3762.