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by pltm
(PLTM) - The doors of the new Her Majesty’s Prison Museum on Main Street is scheduled to be opened next Tuesday, December 6.
The Premier's Office stated that visitors to Her Majesty’s Prison Museum will learn about the life and times of the people, incidents of crime, punishment, social insurrections and events which may have led to incarceration. This will be portrayed through photographs and content displayed on interpretation signs and panels, as well as exhibits of prison memorabilia.
The museum will be open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visits on weekends and other times can be arranged. One-hour guided tours will be offered three times a day from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. At other times, visitors can do a self-guided tour of the museum.
The entrance fee will be $5 for all non-residents, $3 for residents, and children under five years old will have free access.
According to government, whilst an exact date for the construction of the Road Town jail is unavailable, there is mention of a penal facility in 1788, which would make it the oldest building made for public use in the BVI.
The building once housed fire services, immigration and customs. It still holds its rustic feel and now houses the new museum that focuses on the social history and cultural heritage of the BVI.
In early 2017, a second phase of works will commence to further rehabilitate and improve the museum, including the addition of a gift shop and snack bar, opening of the second floor, installation of additional interpretation panels and creating a more interactive experience through audio-visual aids.
The refurbishment of the HM Prison to a museum started in 2014 following the submission of a comprehensive plan submitted by the late Captain Hugh Whistler. Captain Whistler also served as the project manager and oversaw significant renovation and repair work, as well as the installation of interpretation information.
The completion of the works was a collaborative effort of the Minister for Communications and Works and Representative for the Fourth District, Hon. Mark Vanterpool; the Ministry of Communications and Works; the Office of the City Manager; the BVI Tourist Board, the historians of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and other stakeholders.
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