The Dominica Museum, Roseau (must see)

The Dominica Museum serves as the national repository of the island nation’s cultural heritage, located in the heart of Roseau, on a quay beside the historic Old Market. This area has long been a center of commerce and historical significance, including its role in the transatlantic slave trade during the colonial era. The museum occupies a building dating back to 1810, which originally functioned as a market and post office. Today, it preserves and presents the rich cultural, social, geological, and archaeological history of Dominica, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of the island’s past and present.

Inside, the museum’s collection includes old photographs, portraits of past rulers, and colonial-era furniture such as chairs, cabinets, and barometers. These artifacts provide insight into the island’s colonial administration, social life, and the evolution of local customs. Agricultural tools and preserved specimens of birds and fish highlight Dominica’s biodiversity and the important role of farming and fishing in the island’s economy over the centuries.

The museum also showcases artifacts of the island’s indigenous peoples, including Arawak pottery and tools, Pwi pwi miniature rafts, and replicas of Carib huts. These exhibits illustrate the daily lives, craftsmanship, and maritime practices of Dominica’s earliest inhabitants. Geological exhibits explore the island’s volcanic activity, including displays of rocks and soil samples, helping visitors understand the natural forces that shaped the island.

Additional artifacts include items from early settlers, such as wooden figurines, domestic implements, and traditional musical instruments. Collectively, these exhibits provide a vivid picture of Dominica’s cultural and historical development, from its indigenous roots and colonial encounters to its modern-day identity.