Bermuda – Many Chapters, One Story

Bermuda – the “still-vexed Bermoothes” of Shakespeare’s Tempest – is celebrating 400 years of continuous habitation in 2009, an historically significant milestone.

In 1609 the Sea Venture, flagship of the second expedition sent to America by the Virginia Company of London under the command of Admiral Sir George Somers was wrecked off Bermuda during a violent storm (providing the theme of Shakespeare’s Tempest). The subsequent rescue a year later of the Jamestown colony in Virginia by its survivors is one of the important stories of the western world. Bermuda played a crucial role in the development of the New World. Over the past four centuries, Bermuda has evolved into a diverse multi-ethnic and multi-cultural community.

This anniversary gives the opportunity to honour and showcase the Bermuda people, the culture, and the events that have helped to build Bermuda over the past 400 years and make it what it is today. We can acknowledge and celebrate the journey.

Special events throughout the year will celebrate Bermuda and Her People. Through the celebrations Bermuda 2009 aims to engender pride within and to unify and celebrate the various diverse cultures/ethnic groups of the Bermuda community by encouraging events and projects that will engage the whole country; provide opportunities to educate and increase knowledge of Bermuda’s history over the 400 years – economic, social, cultural, architectural; provide opportunities for our youth to learn about, and to embrace our diverse Heritage; create something of permanence which will celebrate our History and our Heroes; and increase the number of visitors to Bermuda by creating a greater awareness and appreciation for our Island.

YOU are invited to join us in celebrating Bermuda’s momentous year. Come join us!