Tucker House Museum
Built in the mid 18th century as a merchant’s house, the Tucker House Museum offers a glimpse into early Bermudian life. Owned by the Bermuda National Trust the house is named after Henry Tucker. He was president of the Governor’s Council from 1775 to 1807 and lived here with his family. The Tuckers were a prestigious Bermudian family who can trace their ancestry back to Bermuda’s second Governor who arrived on the island in 1616. The Tucker family made significant contributions to English, Bermudian and American history; Henry’s younger brother becoming the third and longest serving US Treasurer and another family member served as secretary to Queen Anne.
Much of the cedar and mahogany antique furnishing and silverware on display here was donated by the Tucker family. Notable examples include an 18th century cedar tea table and a mahogany four-poster bed.
The kitchen documents the life of Joseph Hayne Rainey, the first black member of the US House of Representatives. Rainey was born into slavery in Georgetown, 1832. His father, a barber, purchased the family’s freedom. Conscripted as a steward aboard a blockade runner at the start of the Civil War and then drafted to work on the fortifications of Charleston, Rainey realized that things would only get worse for Blacks and took the first opportunity to escape. Capitalizing on his blockade experience, Rainey fled to in 1862 set up a barber’s shop in the kitchen of Tucker House. After the Civil War, Rainey returned to South Carolina and became involved in state politics. In 1870 he became the first black man to serve in the US House of Representatives.
The museum’s curator, Maude Carlington, has been at the property for nigh on 20 years and is happy to show visitors round. The Bermuda National Trust offers a combination ticket for $10 which allows entrance to the Bermuda National Trust Museum, the Tucker House Museum and the Verdmont Museum.
Lee Carter
Great-great-great-great-great-great grandson of Henry Tucker