Museum of St Helena [Collections]

Collections

The galleries of the Museum of St Helena explore the island's unique past and present. Each gallery will help you to understand how the objects in our collections relate to the island, its people and the politics of the island.

The Island

The Island can be interpreted through a series of objects: exhibits on display portray the geological origins of St Helena; the change in its landscape and flora and fauna over time; and the marine environment. The value that has been placed on the island encouraging conservation initiatives since the 17th century, and is still giving to scientific study, especially in relation to its natural environment.

The People

The People of St Helena is a major theme; the development of social life on St Helena with reference to economic activity, currency, education, religion, health and social welfare, the Friendly Societies, recreations and crafts: the list is not exclusive. Communications have been address as being a matter of particular importance to this isolated island: shipping, telegraph and cables, the Cable and Wireless Earth Station, Island communications (signal stations, semaphore, radio, telephone system and the printed word) and St Helenian stamps, dating back to the first issue in 1856.

The Politics

In terms of Politics the exhibits describe the history of the Island, both before and after settlement by the English and indicate other sites of historic interest such as the extensive fortifications, a disused flax mill and public and private buildings including Napoleon's residence.