South of Martinique, in the city of Diamant, there is a museum of great importance that traces the history of the city through a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, documents and archives collected by Mr. Bernard David. Upon his accidental death in 1998, he bequeathed to the municipality his precious historical elements that shed light on the lifestyle of the first inhabitants of the city. So it’s a museum to visit urgently!
Who was Bernard David?
Born in Vendée in 1927, this former priest was passionate about history and archaeology. He took over the leadership of the church in Le Diamant in 1970.
Upon arriving in Martinique, he showed an extreme interest in the life and culture of the country, particularly in the language. He quickly and enthusiastically learned Creole thanks to the local population, especially the parishioners of the church, whom he associated with joyfully. In 1971, he even published a collection of Creole proverbs: Les proverbes créoles de la Martinique. Langage et société! He integrated so well that it's sometimes said he was somewhat 'naturalized' as a Martinican.
Aware of the traumas and racial burden left by the slave trade, he will plunge into the baptism registers of the civil state in order to discover the history of families, the place and the way in which they lived. He will discover a deep passion for local history, to the point of spending entire nights parallel to his parish activities!
Throughout his life, he will have a prolific pen and will write a dozen books on Martinique and its history, such as:
• The Origins of the Martinican Population Over the Years (1635-1902), • The Parish of Case-Pilote 1760-1848 • Notes on Social History • The Last Years of a Society – Le Carbet 1810-1848,, as well as memoirs and numerous Christian articles. • Dictionnaire biographique de la Martinique 1635–1848: le clergé his most important work, which dates from 1984.
The Bernard David Museum: A Testimony of History
In order to honor this passionate man, the city of Diamant will give its name to the museum that possesses his personal archives. Located between the church and the town hall, this museum will immerse you in the rich, yet unknown history of the city. Among the various documents, photos and objects as well as explanatory texts and donations from individuals, which come to enrich the collection, you will discover more about the neighborhoods, the Diamantinois, but also about the Rock of Diamant and many other things.
The museum also offers temporary exhibitions of various artists, as although it is focused on the historical side, it remains an art museum where enthusiasts can discover unpublished and inspired works. You will certainly not be short of intellectual entertainment in this place.
Additional Information
The Bernard David Museographic Space is located at 39 Rue Justin Roc au Diamant. It is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday from 9am to 12pm. You can contact 0596 66 97 36 for additional information about your visit. Entry is free!
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