For more than a century and a half, Government House has stood at the heart of St John's, bearing witness to the changing history of Antigua and Barbuda, from the colonial era to independence and the emergence of the modern nation. Walls That Witnessed: Preserving Heritage, Reclaiming History documents the restoration of this important historic residence and its transformation into the Government House Museum. Through photography (175 images) and expert commentary, the publication explores the building's West Indian architectural character, while also revealing the care and craftsmanship involved in its conservation. Yet the story of Government House extends well beyond its walls. The publication places the building within the wider history of Antigua and Barbuda, examining the legacies of slavery and emancipation, the struggles for political change and independence, and the contributions and sacrifices of Antiguans and Barbudans during the two world wars. In bringing these histories together, Walls That Witnessed offers a deeper understanding of Government House and the people, events and experiences that have shaped its significance. For Antiguans and Barbudans, it provides an opportunity to reflect on a shared past and the preservation of an important part of the national heritage. For visitors, it offers a window into the history of Antigua and Barbuda beyond the familiar image of the Caribbean.
