Collins Mansion on Shirley Street, which once housed the Ministry of Education, will be transformed into a historical museum and is expected to cost the government between $12million to $14 million.

Deputy Prime Minister, Philip Davis said as much during Swinging Soiree hosted by the Historic Bahamas Foundation on Saturday night.

“We also need to see to it that once restored these buildings and other historic sites are properly and professionally maintained well into the future,” he said.

“As an illustrative point of reference as to just how expensive these undertakings can be, I am advised that the restoration and conversion of the Collins Mansion into a state-of-the-art public museum is estimated to cost between $12 – $14 million. With the estimated cost as high as that, it is necessary for the government to rely on public/private partnerships and financial support from the public generally, and the support of international donor organizations that are concerned with heritage conservation.”

Mr. Davis said given such challenges and constraints – and the costs involved – he had no choice but to applaud the work and support of the Historic Bahamas Foundation.

“As most of you are aware, the primary mandate of the Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC) is to protect and preserve what we sometimes refer to as our “built heritage”, he said.

“[Saturday], the magnificent setting for this event, Collins Mansion, represents one of the finest examples of that “built heritage”. It is an historically significant example of Bahamian architectural identity. This home has become an iconic site for urban New Providence. In this regard, it is important to remember that heritage preservation goes beyond the restoration of old buildings.”

The deputy prime minister said preserving heritage also encourages a healthy resurgence of life in the community and throughout the country.

“It creates a tangible link with the past and persons who in former years were associated with the development of our nation in one form or another,” Mr. Davis said.

“It also provides a symbolic point of intersection between the past and the present. And let us be mindful that with ongoing heritage preservation, we can also create a sense of pride in nation building and civic accomplishment while imparting an appreciation of our history and architecture. But as in the case of many other important historical sites, Collins House requires extensive restoration and re-adaption to modern use. Necessary as it is, heritage preservation and conservation is, however, an extremely expensive undertaking. It requires much time and painstaking professional work – and lots of money – to ensure that buildings, monuments and historic sites are properly restored in keeping with professional standards and the need for authenticity.”

He also said that in many ways, the Historic Bahamas Foundation and the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation, for which the prime minister is responsible, have become curators, the keepers of Bahamian heritage and history.

“And it is good that they have taken on the mantle of that responsibility,” Deputy Prime Minister Davis said.

“Together, we can fund and build a successful and impactful endowment for heritage preservation. Let us therefore commit ourselves, both public and private sector, both government and the general citizenry, both Bahamians and friends of The Bahamas, to this vital mission. In thus pledging ourselves, be assured of the prime minister and my personal support to these efforts, and that of the government.”