The National Museum of Bermuda (NMB) marked a significant milestone on Thursday, April 24, with the roof wetting ceremony of the Casemates Barracks. The event, attended by distinguished guests including His Excellency, Deputy Premier De Silva, Minister Tyrell MP, and former Deputy Premier Roban, celebrated the completion of the essential restoration work on the historic site.
NMB Executive Director Elena Strong opened the ceremony with remarks, reflecting on the journey to secure the Casemates Barracks. “It is deeply meaningful to be standing here – on the roof – marking a milestone that once felt impossibly far away,” she said. Strong highlighted the challenges faced, including invasive plants, water damage, failing roof and praised the collective efforts that led to the restoration. “Thanks to your support and The Future of History campaign, we are gathered on a secure, water-tight surface,” she added.
Strong emphasised the importance of honouring the complex history of Casemates, which includes military discipline and forced confinement. “Engaging with this place requires care, respect, and a clear vision for the future,” she noted. Pre-restoration work, began over 20 years ago, involved museum volunteers and private and corporate partners but it was not until 2024 thanks to The Future of History Campaign that major roof work could begin.
“Our long-term vision is to transform Casemates into an international hub for Atlantic World Studies,” Strong stated. She detailed the extensive restoration efforts over the past year, including removing invasive growth, abating asbestos, documentation of the historic roof structure and installing modern protective systems. “This is just Phase 1: to stabilise the buildings. We haven’t yet brought Casemates Barracks and the Upper Ordnance Yard Buildings fully back to life, but we’ve secured them.” she concluded.
Board Chair Jennifer Davidson echoed Strong’s sentiments, expressing gratitude to all involved in the restoration. “Tonight is a celebration of what happens when people come together – when volunteers, donors, contractors, foundations, corporations, and government partners align around a shared purpose,” Davidson said. She thanked key partners, including Bermuda Project Managers Limited, Crisson Construction, Gray Co Roofing, SAL, Island Construction, and the Government of Bermuda.
Davidson also invited attendees to leave their mark on history by placing their fingerprints on the cement. “With your fingerprint, you become a part of the next chapter of Casemates’ story,” she said. The ceremony concluded with His Excellency pouring Gosling’s Rum for the roof wetting.
The National Museum of Bermuda extends its deepest gratitude to all who contributed to this significant achievement. Having watertight roofs on Casemates Barracks and the Upper Ordnance Yard Buildings are major step in a longer journey, and the Museum looks forward to continuing its work to preserve Bermuda’s history and heritage.
His Excellency the Governor of Bermuda pours rum onto the roof of Casemates as part of a traditional roof wetting ceremony, joined by Elena Strong, Executive Director of the National Museum of Bermuda.
Elena Strong, Executive Director of the National Museum of Bermuda, with Jordan Gunter JW Gray & Co and members of the Crisson Construction team who contributed to the successful rehabilitation of the Casemates roof.
Guests gather on the roof of Casemates to celebrate its rehabilitation during the traditional roof wetting ceremony.
