Photos of the Tobago Heritage Conservation Society
Local Culture, People & Heritage

A Journey Through Time: Exploring the Buccoo Museum in Tobago

Posted Apr 24, 2025

Overlooking the glistening shores of Buccoo Beach, the Buccoo Museum at La Tartaruga Restaurant offers far more than just stunning views — it invites visitors on a deeply personal and engaging journey through Tobago’s rich cultural heritage.

We had the pleasure of experiencing this journey during the Museum’s Open Day on Friday, April 11, 2025 — a thoughtfully curated event that welcomed guests into the heart of Tobago’s story. Hosted by the Tobago Heritage Conservation Society in collaboration with Angelo Bissessarsingh’s Virtual Museum of Trinidad and Tobago, the event highlighted just how vibrant, diverse, and layered the island’s past truly is.

Museum Curator Gabriele de Gaetano captivates the attention of his audience while sharing details on the history and development of maps subdividing the island.

Guided by Museum Curator Gabriele de Gaetano, visitors were taken on an intimate tour filled with fascinating stories and rare historical finds. From centuries-old planning maps and 18th-century indigo remnants to First Peoples artefacts and breathtaking local art, each piece served as a window into a time gone by — lovingly preserved and passionately presented.

As curator, Gabriele is building an ever-growing collection of knowledge on Tobago’s heritage. His work goes beyond the walls of the museum, extending to the landscapes and historic sites across the island. For instance, the documentation of Tobago’s old sugar factories — their machinery, architecture, and locations — is a key part of the museum's broader mission to safeguard and share Tobago’s tangible past.

Museum Curator Gabriele de Gaetano shares with museum visitors the historical relevance of the copper pot behind him that was once used for boiling sugar cane juice during the colonial sugar-making process.

Supporting these efforts is Richard Dunn, a Chartered Building Surveyor with specialized training in conservation. With deep admiration for the island which he now calls home, Richard works closely with the Society to evaluate historic sites and ensure they remain accessible and safe for all. His passion shines through when he says:

“Tobago is like a sweetie shop that has a lot of things in it that children can enjoy, that adults can enjoy - there are dozens and dozens of heritage assets around Tobago that can be presented and enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.”

Another highlight of the Open Day was the launch of The Village of One, a new book by journalist and author Richard Charan. Blending historical insight with personal storytelling, Charan’s work explores the lived experiences of Trinbagonians and shines a light on the importance of preserving and valuing our local heritage.

TTAL Director of Product Development and Destination Management, Wendell Walker engages with author and journalist Richard Charan, whose book, The Village of One is on display.

Together, these stories and efforts reflect a larger purpose: to inspire both locals and visitors to connect with Tobago’s past in meaningful, personal ways. At the heart of this work is the Tobago Heritage Conservation Society — an organization that champions education, sustainability, and cultural pride. By thoughtfully protecting the island’s built heritage and collaborating with global and local partners, the Society is helping to shape Tobago into a destination where cultural tourism thrives.

And the interest from abroad is growing. As Gabriele explains:

“Many people are coming and interested to visit. Some are interested in beaches, some are interested in art, and others are interested in heritage. Cultural heritage can encompass everything – we are also looking at agriculture and craftsmanship, interviewing several Tobagonian craftsmen who work leather, work wood, and patch farine. There is a lot going on in villages that is of great interest for persons visiting from outside!”

Though one visit may only scratch the surface of Tobago’s vast cultural wealth, the Buccoo Museum offers a meaningful place to start. With tours tailored to specific interests and a general entrance fee of TTD$75 per person, it remains open and welcoming to all. Gabriele is happy to coordinate visits personally and can be contacted via WhatsApp at +1 (868) 715-5465.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning friend of Tobago, the Buccoo Museum promises a warm welcome and an unforgettable encounter with the stories, people, and traditions that make this island truly beyond ordinary.