Arlington House Museum, Speightstown : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 22 Jun, 2023
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Welcome to Speightstown, home of the historic Arlington House Museum! This historic gem is one of Barbados’ oldest landmarks and is a great place to visit to learn about the country’s storied past. This blog post will provide an introduction to the Arlington House Museum, as well as some interesting facts and helpful information about this popular destination. We’ll also cover some of the top local attractions and provide a brief travel guide so you can get the most out of your visit to Speightstown and the Arlington House Museum.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Arlington House Museum, Speightstown
1. Arlington House Museum was built in 1848 by Henry Duncan and was the first two-storey dwelling in the area.
2. The house was inhabited by the Speight family for over 100 years and now serves as a museum to commemorate their legacy.
3. The house features a number of original furnishings from the Speight family, including a 200-year-old mahogany four-poster bed.
4. The museum also has a garden complete with tropical plants and flowers.
5. The property also has an old sugar mill that was built in the 1800s, and is now used as a reception area for visitors.
6. The gardens and grounds have been featured in Hollywood films such as A Christmas Story and After Hours.
7. The Arlington House Museum is open to visitors year round, and admission is free.
History & Information About Arlington House Museum, Speightstown
Arlington House Museum is located in Speightstown, Saint Peter, Barbados. It is a historic residence along the island’s northern coast, and is a popular tourist attraction for visitors to Barbados. The house was built in 1730 and is the oldest remaining structure in Speightstown and the historically-important Speightstown Parish. It is now a museum and protected by the Barbados National Trust.
The house was originally constructed by George Washington’s great-grandfather, James Washington, who had moved to Barbados from the U.S. in 1674. After the American Revolution, the house was occupied by a number of prominent members of the Washington family, including Major William Washington and George Washington’s nephew, George Lewis, who served for a time as Governor of Barbados. The house was remodeled several times over the years and its interior updated to accommodate modern amenities in the 19th century.
Since the 1980’s Arlington House has been managed by the Barbados National Trust, which now operates it as a museum and education center. The building is open for visitors who can explore its history and admire its well-preserved features. The museum is home to a collection of artifacts related to the history of Speightstown and Barbados, including photographs, documents, furniture, artwork, and archaeological specimens. Visitors can also view a video on the history of the house and Speightstown and attend special lectures and exhibitions.
The museum is a popular location for school field trips and educational programs. It is a great place to learn about the history of Speightstown and Barbados’s rich cultural heritage. The museum also offers a range of activities for the whole family as well as guided tours for groups.
Travel Guide For Visiting Arlington House Museum, Speightstown
Arlington House Museum is a restored 18th century residence located in Speightstown, Barbados. The home was built in 1742 and served as a residence for many years before being converted into a museum in 1958. The home was named after Thomas Tryon, the first owner of the home, who was a planter and government official. Today, the museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Barbados and its people.
Getting There:
The best way to get to Arlington House Museum is to take a taxi or public transport from Bridgetown. You can also rent a car to get to the museum more quickly. Once at the museum, visitors can take a guided tour of the house and gardens. All public services in Speightstown, such as the central bus station, provide links to the historic residence.
Hours of Operation:
The museum is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Admission Fees:
Admission fees for the museum are as follows:
Adults: $10
Children and Seniors: $5
Group admission for 10 or more: $8
Guided Tours:
The museum offers guided tours that provide visitors with an in-depth look at the history of the home and the Barbados. The tour lasts for an hour and covers the house, gardens, and outbuildings. Tours must be booked in advance and can be arranged directly on the museum’s website or by phone.
Food and Drink:
There is no food or drink available for purchase at the museum, but there are several cafés and restaurants located in the area where visitors can grab a bite to eat or refreshments before or after their visit.
Things to See and Do:
In addition to touring the museum’s house and outbuildings, visitors can also explore the historic grounds and gardens. There are several walking trails that lead visitors through the property and provide stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can also learn about the history of Barbados through displays of artifacts, photographs, and documents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arlington House Museum, Speightstown
FAQs
Q: What is the address of the Arlington House Museum in Speightstown?
A: The Arlington House Museum is located at 66 High Street, Speightstown, Saint Peter, Barbados.
Q: What type of artifacts can be found at the Arlington House Museum?
A: The museum houses a variety of artifacts, including pottery, textiles, photographs, and documents.
Q: What is the cost of admission to the Arlington House Museum?
A: Admission to the Arlington House Museum is free for all visitors.
Q: What are the opening hours of the Arlington House Museum?
A: The Arlington House Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.