April 24, 2026
Restoring Heritage and Creating Opportunities in Antigua
Preserving heritage while creating opportunities for future generations is at the core of the Harrison Foundation’s work. The restoration of Government House in Antigua and Barbuda is a powerful example of how the Harrison Foundation’s long-term investment and leadership is delivering on this mission.
Government House, one of the most significant historic buildings in Antigua and Barbuda, had reached a critical point. Years of deterioration had left the structure at risk, with major repairs required to secure its future. Without intervention, there was a real possibility that this important part of the country’s history could be lost.
That’s why the Heritage Trust of Antigua and Barbuda was established to lead a long-term restoration programme. The project has brought together partners, funders and specialists to carefully restore the building while protecting its historical integrity.
Our founder, Sir David Harrison, has played a central role throughout this journey. As a member of the Heritage Trust board and the key financial supporter of the project, Sir David has helped guide the restoration from its early stages through to completion. His involvement reflects a long-standing commitment to supporting initiatives that combine heritage, education and opportunity.
The restoration has not just focused on repairing the building. From the outset, there was a clear ambition to create a space that could serve a wider purpose and that vision is now realised through the creation of the Government House Museum.
The museum charts the history of Antigua and Barbuda, highlighting key moments from the period of British governance through to independence and the development of modern national identity.
His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, marked the completion of the Trust’s core restoration work and the transition of Government House into a public-facing heritage site at the recent unveiling. The building is no longer solely a formal residence, but a space designed to be experienced, explored and understood.
Alongside the physical transformation, the project has created wider benefits. The restoration has supported skills development, with local workers involved in specialist construction and conservation work. This has helped build local expertise while ensuring that traditional craftsmanship is retained and strengthened.
At the same time, the new museum creates opportunities for education and engagement. Schools, visitors and the wider community will now have access to a resource that brings history to life in a meaningful way.
For Sir David Harrison, the project is not just about preserving a building, but about creating something that continues to deliver value over time. By investing in both the restoration and the purpose of the site, Government House has been redefined as a space that connects people, history and opportunity.
Sir David said: “Antigua has a proud history, and Britain has played an important role in shaping that. As an Antiguan citizen, I’m delighted to have been part of restoring Government House and preserving that shared heritage for future generations. It’s also an important part of Antigua’s future and is a destination that will attract visitors from around the world who choose to visit this beautiful country.”