Who We Are

The Nevis Historical and Conservation Society (NHCS) was the brainchild of Nevisian Arthur Evelyn, the island’s first post-Independence Minister of Agriculture, Tourism et al. In 1980, his personal passion for Nevisian heritage and his belief that government should not be responsible for everything led him and like-minded Nevisians to establish the NHCS as a membership-based, non-governmental organisation. Today the NHCS remains an active organisation whose mission is to Protect and Promote the Historical, Cultural and Natural Resources of Nevis – through three distinct focus areas: Cultural heritage (museums, collections, and archives); Historical sites & structures; and Natural Heritage (natural resource management, ecology and the environment). The NHCS currently operates the Nevis Island Archives and two museums: The Museum of Nevis History (redeveloped in 2019), and the Alexander Hamilton Museum, showcasing the life of Hamilton who was born on Nevis. A third museum, dedicated to Nevis’ maritime history, is currently under development at Bellevue, just south of Charlestown. The Nevis Island Archives and the Nevis Centre for Archaeology Research are also located at the Bellevue site.

Origin Story

Local lore has it that Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the US Treasury and one of the Founding Fathers of the USA, was born on the outskirts of Charlestown, c. 1754-1757. This story was fuelled by photos such as ‘Ruins of Alexander Hamilton’s Birthplace in Charlestown, Nevis’ by JH Horsey in 1880 and the 1950s illustration by Eva Wilkin of what she thought ‘Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace must have looked like’ for a 1956 guide to Nevis in honour of the bicentennial of Alexander Hamilton’s birth. The large stone building on the site sits on the foundations of a building possibly from around 1680. This, or a successor, may have been destroyed in the earthquake of 1843.

The wooden building on the property is said to have been built c. 1850, after the original building (possibly a stable) was also destroyed, perhaps in the earthquake. The property changed hands many times, and in 1950 the American William Trott and his Nevisian wife, Marion, bought the entire site. It is said that Mr Trott would bring strangers to see the site “where Alexander Hamilton was born”, and as a result the wooden house became an unofficial museum which the local community called ‘Hamilton House’.

In 1956 the Nevis government bought the northern half of the Trott property and built a wall to separate the properties. In the 1980s the US State Department, through USAID, funded the reconstruction of the stone building to serve as the House of Assembly and a museum. The recreation may have been partly based on Eva Wilkin's imagined illustration and the building was dedicated by the actress Cicely Tyson, the daughter of emigrants from Nevis, during Nevis' independence celebrations in 1983. The building now houses the NHCS offices and the Museum of Nevis History downstairs, and the Nevis Island Assembly upstairs. While scholars believe that Hamilton was born in Nevis, there is no documentary evidence to prove that he was born on this particular plot of land.

In 2008 the NHCS purchased the southern half of the property with the wooden building from the Trott family, and full restoration of the house was completed in 2018 thanks to a generous donation by NHCS member Robin Sommers. The building, also known as 'Trott House', now houses an Alexander Hamilton exhibition, courtesy of the US-based Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society (AHA).

birthplace of hamilton stacey collection.jpeg

"Birthplace of Hamilton, Island of Nevis, B.W.I." 1904

"Ruins of Alexander Hamilton House in Nevis, W.I." by Eva Wilkin

Support Our Work

Message From the EXECUTIVE Director

On behalf of everyone at the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society (NHCS), I am thrilled to welcome you to our newly launched website. Our mission is simple but vital: to protect and preserve the historical and natural resources of Nevis, ensuring that the beauty and legacy of our island are safeguarded for future generations.

This platform offers a deeper look into the important work we are doing to safeguard both the cultural heritage and environmental integrity of our beautiful island. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information about our preservation efforts, as well as resources that highlight the unique history and natural beauty of Nevis. We invite you to explore the many initiatives that NHCS is involved in—from archaeological research to reforestation efforts. Our work is diverse, reflecting the rich tapestry of Nevis' history and environment, and we are proud to share our progress and ongoing projects with you.

We are deeply grateful to our dedicated volunteers, members, and the generous support of numerous international organizations, all of whom make it possible for us to continue this important work. If you are passionate about preserving Nevis' heritage and environment, we encourage you to get involved and contribute to our mission. Together, we can ensure that Nevis' legacy continues to thrive.

Thank you for visiting our website, and we hope you find it informative and inspiring.

Terysia Herbert, MPH