The National Museum of The Bahamas, an arm of the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC), in conjunction with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), launched the Historical Military Reenactment and Living History at Fort Charlotte on Wednesday, 25th September, 2013. The pageantry included five elements: a Military Parade, Change of the Guard and Beat Retreat, Military Drill, Sunset Colours and Cannon Firing. Dr. Keith Tinker, Director of the National Museum of The Bahamas welcomed and led the audience through the event. Dr. Tinker explained that the participants were members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, under the leadership of Lt. Bertram Bowleg, who were dressed in the 18th century British military uniforms and their modern day dress whites.
Mrs. Kim Outten-Stubbs, Chief Curator at the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation explained that the overall objective of the reenactment is to enhance the programming of Fort Charlotte to reflect the historic period. Additionally, it is an attempt to increase interest and visits from locals and tourists.
According to the AMMC, historic period uniforms of the West Indian Regiment, military drills, pageantry, and weapon demonstrations are new public programmes to be introduced at Fort Charlotte. The RBDF, Urban Renewal Band and other Youth organizations are all involved.
Future Reenactments are planned for Saturday, 12th October, 2013, Friday, 29th November, 2013 and Saturday, 28th December, 2013.
The Ministry of Education
Caption: top – Royal Bahamas Defence Force Officers donned 18th Century British uniforms and modern day dress whites to perform at the launch of an historical military reenactment and living history at Fort Charlotte. (Photo by Edgar Arnette)
