Bahamas Historical Society

The Bahamas Historical Society is one of several museums in Nassau. Covering various epochs and events, it’s an informative and worthwhile attraction to visit. 

Nassau is home to several museums, but one of the most comprehensive is the Bahamas Historical Society. Despite occupying nothing more than a single, giant room, the museum covers hundreds of years of history. Its eclectic yet informative displays make it one of the top things to do in Downtown Nassau. 

Bahamas Historical Society: Learn About Nassau Old Town

Nassau Old Town: A History

The Bahamas was originally inhabited by the indigenous Lucayan people. After the European discovery and subsequent colonization of the New World, their population plummeted. 

In 1670, a British nobleman founded the settlement of Nassau. Known at the time as Charles Towne, the settlement was small and unremarkable for the first couple of decades. At various points in the early 1700s, Spanish, French, and even pirate forces occupied the city. 

BHS shows off Nassau Old Town history in various ways.

It was not until the latter half of the 18th century that Nassau became recognizable as a prominent regional city. British governors regained control of the area from pirates and invested huge sums of money into the defense of the island. Many of these structures, like Fort Fincastle and Fort Charlotte, remain accessible to this day. 

Over the next couple of centuries, Nassau remained a British colony until The Bahamas gained independence in 1973. 

The Bahamas Historical Society covers much of this history, from the early days to recent political movements. Lady Arthur, the wife of a previous Governor of The Bahamas, founded the non-profit in 1959 to collect and preserve historical material. The Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE) donated the current building to the organization in 1976. 

Bahamas Historical Society Museum: View the Exhibits

The Bahamas Historical Society Museum offers a comprehensive look at Bahamian history.The exhibits at the Bahamas Historical Society are colorful and informative. From murals and artifacts to model reconstructions and more, there’s much to absorb as you walk through the space. 

There’s also a general seating area at the center of the room for those who need a break from history. 

Learn about the IODE

The Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE) donated the building to the historical society.

As mentioned, the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE) gave the museum’s building to the Bahamas Historical Society in 1976. Unsurprisingly, the museum has a fair amount of information on this charitable organization, which exists to this day. 

Getting into BHS

The Bahamas Historical Society Museum is at the intersection of Elisabeth and Shirley Street in Nassau Old Town. From shops and restaurants to historical sites and beaches, the area around the museum is home to some of the top things to do in Downtown Nassau. 

Getting to the BHS is easy no matter how long or short your Bahamas vacation. Cruise passengers, for example, can easily walk to the museum from the cruise terminal. Over the course of your ten-minute walk, you’ll pass by other historic sites, like Nassau Public Library and Parliament Square. 

The museum is just a short walk from many Downtown Nassau attractions.

Travelers staying in Nassau will want to ensure they make time for Nassau Old Town, too. Even if your hotel is on Paradise Island or a more remote part of New Providence, taxiing to the downtown area is well worth the trip. 

The museum is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. There’s no official entrance fee (as of 2023*), but a staff member may request a small donation upon entry. 

Bahamas Historical Society: Getting Around

The Bahamas Historical Society isn’t huge, but it contains heaps of information. After touring the museum, make sure to continue your historical tour by checking out the other nearby sites in Nassau Old Town.

Before you make your way to the touristy sites, consider walking up Queen’s Staircase to reach Fort Fincastle. You can also head back to the aforementioned Nassau Public Library or Parliament Square.

Many of the other things to do in Downtown Nassau examine the Age of Piracy

These sorts of sites showcase elements of Bahamian history found at the Bahamas Historical Society Museum. 

Our Travel Guide Suggests…

The staff at the museum is incredibly knowledgeable. While you can view the exhibits on your own, consider requesting a guided tour. Doing so will ensure you take away all of the bountiful information the organization has to offer,

Looking for Things to Do in Downtown Nassau? Visit BHS

Nassau has a rich and eventful history, and many of its modern museums do an adequate job of showcasing different parts of it. However, if you want to take a deep dive into the past, there’s no better place to do that on the island than at the Bahamas Historical Society Museum. 

After touring the museum, travelers looking to continue their historical tour won’t have to go far. Balcony House Museum is the oldest residential building on the island, and the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas and Pirates of Nassau offer further insight into the island’s past.

If you visit the Bahamas Historical Society, don’t be surprised if you’re the person there. Many tourists miss out on these sorts of attractions, despite them being some of the best in Nassau. To ensure you make the most of your time in the Bahamas, check out our other travel posts and download our interactive Nassau Old Town map.