A global organisation of museums & museum professionals committed to the promotion and protection of cultural heritage.

About ICOM Barbados

ICOM Barbados was established in 1989 as the Barbados National Committee for the International Council of Museums (ICOM), and is dedicated to advancing the preservation, protection, and promotion of Barbados’ rich cultural and historical heritage. As part of the global museum and heritage community, we bring together museum professionals, heritage practitioners, educators, researchers, and cultural advocates who share a commitment to safeguarding our collective memory for future generations.

Through collaboration, professional development, and public engagement, ICOM Barbados supports initiatives that strengthen museums and cultural institutions across the island. We encourage innovation, ethical practice, and knowledge sharing while fostering greater appreciation for the role museums and heritage spaces play in education, community development, and national identity.

Our mission is to connect people with culture, inspire lifelong learning, and ensure that Barbados’ heritage remains accessible, relevant, and valued in an ever-changing world.

Watch this video of the Founding Chairperson of ICOM Barbados and former President of ICOM Ms. Alissandra Cummins sharing the history of our committee.

Programmes

ICOM Barbados delivers a range of programmes designed to support heritage professionals, cultural institutions, students, and the wider community.

Our programmes focus on professional training, museum development, collections management, heritage conservation, public education, and cultural awareness. Through workshops, seminars, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative projects, participants gain practical knowledge and valuable insights into current trends and best practices within the museum and heritage sector.

We also work closely with local and international partners to promote research, strengthen institutional capacity, and encourage community participation in preserving Barbados’ cultural legacy. Whether you are an experienced professional, an emerging practitioner, or simply passionate about heritage, our programmes provide opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute.

Events & Activities

Stay connected with ICOM Barbados and discover opportunities to engage with the museum and heritage community across Barbados.

While our activities may take many forms, from professional development sessions and workshops to public discussions, heritage initiatives, international observances, and collaborative programmes, each provides an opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to the preservation of our cultural heritage.

This space highlights upcoming activities, special initiatives, professional opportunities, and moments of significance within the museum and heritage sector in Barbados.

Check back regularly for updates and opportunities to get involved.

IMD 2026

ICOM Barbados proudly commemorated International Museum Day (IMD) 2026 under the global theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World.” The celebration brought together museum professionals, heritage practitioners, cultural organisations, students, and members of the public for a day dedicated to exploring the evolving role of museums in society.

ICOM GENERAL CONFERENCE DUBAI 2025

ICOM Barbados was pleased to have a representation of 5 members at the ICOM General Conference in Dubai from November 11th – 17th, 2025. Vice Chairperson Natalie McGuire was supported to participate by the ICOM SAREC-Getty Grant and the Division of Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office PRO Kaye Hall was supported to participate by ICOM SAREC and the Barbados Museum & Historical Society.
National & Regional Committee Business

The Chairperson attended the sessions for the National Committees and the ICOM LAC Regional Alliance meeting for Chairs, and noted the following key outcomes:
Presentations. Panels. Workshops.

ICOM Vice Chairperson Natalie McGuire spoke on a panel titled “Reframing Power: Whose Stories do Museums Tell?”, moderated by Nada Raza and with fellow panelists farid rakun and Sultan Sooud Al-Qassami.
ICO PRO Kaye Hall spoke on a panel for the ICOM Award for Sustainability, introducing the Shared Island Stories project (Barbados Museum & Historical Society and St. Andrew’s University) as a finalist for the award
ICOM Vice Chairperson Natalie McGuire spoke on a panel for the ICOM Germany Young Museum
Professionals Network on how ICOM can adapt to meet the needs of emerging professionals
ICOM PRO Kaye Hall ran a workshop for ICOFOM titled “Young People Shaping the Future of Museology through the Lens of the SDGs”

General Assembly.

ICOM Barbados endorsed the following two resolutions, which were passed in the General Assembly:

Resolution 4 – Empowering Museums in Achieving the SDGs through Youth by Means of Social Inclusion and Climate Action
Resolution 6 – Establishment of a Standing Committee on Decolonisation

ICOM Award for Sustainability.

ICOM Barbados was also pleased to celebrate the historic wilfof the inaugural ICOM Sustainability Award by PRO Kaye Hall, for her project Shared Island Stories with the Barbados Museum & Historical Society and St. Andrew’s University! The ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums is the first global award that recognises innovative initiatives and exemplary practices that contribute meaningfully to sustainable development within the museum sector.
Following the call for applications in 2024, and with the valued support of our ICOM Bodies, the ICOM Award received 130 eligible submissions from 60 countries-a powerful demonstration of the sector’s engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Executive Board

Chairperson – Dr. Natalie McGuire, Barbados Museum & Historical Society

Vice Chairperson – Ms. Halcyon Wiltshire-Busby, University of the West Indies

Treasurer – Ms. Ruth Linton, Museum of Parliament

Secretary – Ms. Anisah Wood, Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny (R.O.A.D)

Public Relations Officer – Ms. Annastacia Bernard, Barbados Museum & Historical Society

Floor Member – Ms. Kaye Hall, Barbados Museum & Historical Society

Student Representative (Floor Member) – Mr. Evan McDonald

Explore our Strategic Plan 2026–2028 and Annual Report 2024–2025 by accessing the documents below.

ICOM Barbados Strategic Plan 2026 -2028

ICOM Barbados Vision Plan 2026-2029 Download

ICOM Barbados Annual Report 2024 – 2025

ICOM Barbados Annual Report 2024-2025 Download

Membership

ICOM Barbados brings together museum professionals, cultural practitioners, researchers, educators, students, and institutions committed to preserving and promoting Barbados’ rich cultural heritage.
Whether you are an individual working in the museum and heritage sector or an organisation dedicated to culture, history, education, or conservation, becoming a member connects you to a dynamic local network and the global ICOM community.
As a member, you will have opportunities to exchange knowledge, develop professionally, advocate for museums, and contribute to strengthening the museum sector in Barbados and beyond.

View this presentation to learn more!

ICOM Barbados Membership

final – ICOM Barbados IMD Presentation Download

Become a member of ICOM Barbados!

Individual Membership
Individual Membership is open to professionals, students, volunteers, and others with an interest in museums, heritage, and cultural preservation.
Benefits include:
– Membership in the global International Council of Museums (ICOM) network.
– Opportunities to attend local, regional, and international conferences, workshops, and seminars.
– Professional development and networking opportunities.
– Access to museum best practices, resources, and international standards.
– Opportunities to collaborate on projects and initiatives within the museum and heritage sector.
– Participation in ICOM Barbados programmes, events, and activities.
– Eligibility to vote and participate in the governance of ICOM Barbados (where applicable).
– An ICOM membership card, offering admission benefits at participating museums worldwide.

Institutional Membership
Institutional Membership is designed for museums, galleries, heritage organisations, universities, archives, and other cultural institutions seeking to strengthen their engagement with the museum community.
Benefits include:
– Connection to an international network of museum and heritage institutions.
– Opportunities for institutional collaboration and partnerships.
– Access to professional resources, standards, and guidance developed by ICOM.
– Participation in capacity-building initiatives and professional training.
– Increased visibility through ICOM Barbados programmes and activities.
– Opportunities to contribute to national and international conversations on museum practice and cultural heritage.
– Access to selected member communications, events, and networking opportunities.

Why Join ICOM Barbados?
Membership in ICOM Barbados means becoming part of a community dedicated to preserving the past, engaging the present, and shaping the future of museums and heritage in Barbados.
Whether you are beginning your career, expanding your professional network, or representing an institution committed to cultural stewardship, ICOM Barbados offers valuable opportunities to learn, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact.