Welcome to the Bermuda National Trust

The Bermuda National Trust cares for 277 acres comprised of 82 properties that represent much of the best of Bermuda’s heritage – a variety of traditional historic houses, islands, gardens, cemeteries, nature reserves and coastline. In addition, three museums display an outstanding collection of artefacts owned and made by Bermudians, and tell the intriguing story of the island’s development.

The Trust has a strong education programme, focused on encouraging appreciation of our built and natural heritage and what it means to our future. 

Our mission:

To protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage forever, by

- acquiring and conserving land, buildings and artefacts;

- inspiring appreciation and stewardship through advocacy, research, education and participation

 For Everyone, Forever

Trust News

Built Heritage: Somers Pride of India Lodge

BUILT HERITAGE: April 2021 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda's endangered historic buildings. 

Somers Pride of India Lodge No. 899 in St George’s was the first of the lodges established by the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows when it was founded on 10 May 1848 with schoolmaster John Gilbert Allen as secretary and later Grand Master. Alexandrina Lodge No. 1026 in Hamilton and Victoria and Albert No. 1027 in Somerset followed. By 1860 the three lodges had over 200 members.

In April 1850 the trustees of Somers Pride of India Lodge, all of whom were residents of St George’s, purchased land on Cut Road from mason Peter Tucker. It wasn’t until 14 January 1862 that, with much pomp and ceremony, the cornerstone was laid for their first hall. A gale in October 1870 blew down the upper walls of both sides of their not-yet-completed hall but did not discourage them. The Odd Fellows celebrated their 25^th anniversary in May 1873 with a service and procession to their new building where the foreman of the Building Committee, John Cornelius Bascome, gave the welcoming address.

The rapidly growing membership saw the need for a larger building and in 1903 a more prominent parcel of land was purchased. The Somers Pride of India Lodge Trustees Act 1909 allowed the trustees to sell their building on Cut Road and on 13 November 1913 at what was described as “one of the greatest ceremonies of its kind” the cornerstone was laid for their new lodge building on York Street and St George’s Avenue (now Wellington Street and Rose Hill). Work parties were held with bus loads of members from sister lodges across the Island arriving to help with the construction.

Click here to read the full Built Heritage article on Somers Pride of India Lodge

Annual Award Nominations 2021

Karen Border Appointed BNT Executive Director

We are excited to announce that Karen Border will take up the position of Executive Director of the Bermuda National Trust (BNT) on 28 June. Karen is a respected environmentalist and communications professional. In fact, she has spent her adult life contributing to the conservation of Bermuda’s unique environment and natural heritage.  

She is looking forward to joining the Trust team in her new capacity and says: "I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed Executive Director of an organisation so close to my heart. The National Trust plays such an important role in Bermuda, in far more ways than many people realise – from its preservation of open spaces, historic buildings and artefacts, to its inspirational education programme and activities that celebrate the Island's heritage. The importance of each of these aspects of the Trust's mission has been thrown into sharp relief by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has forced all of us to focus on our own 22 square miles and what it has to offer. I look forward to leading the Trust team in continuing the organisation's valuable work and finding new and exciting ways in which to engage the whole Bermuda community."

Click here to read the full Press Release

Family Activities for Outdoor Adventures

2021 Summer Camp

Sign up your kids for one of our exciting Summer Camps! Children will enjoy a week filled with engaging activities! 

We have a variety of camps for you to choose from;

Bermuda's Amazing Edible Plants - June 28^th - July 2^nd and July 26^th - July 28^th 

Time Travelling Camp - July 5^th - July 9^th and July 12^th - July 16^th

Climate Change Agents Camp - July 19^th - July 23^rd

Shipwreck Survivor Camp - August 2^nd - August 6^th

Bermuda's Natural Wonderland Camp - August 9^th - August 13^th

Scholarships for camp are available!

Click here to download the Scholarship application.

Click here to download the Summer Camp Application.