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The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute was created by
a Private Act of the Bermuda Parliament in 1992.
The purposes are:
- To advance knowledge and understanding of the ocean, from the surface to the deep-ocean floor, especially as it relates to underwater research;
- To encourage the protection and preservation of the marine environment and all that is beneath the ocean;
- To preserve and display for the public, artifacts, documents and other goods and materials relating to the ocean and the underwater marine environment;
- To promote, principally through exhibitions, and otherwise encourage historical and scientific research related to the ocean around Bermuda;
- To educate the public of all ages, using the latest sophisticated multimedia techniques, concerning the wonders of the ocean;
- To foster close cooperation among similar institutions, both locally and overseas, in order to advance the understanding, appreciation and knowledge of all that exists beneath the ocean.
Milestones
November 1990: The initial idea for a new museum-type institution is conceived by a group of interested Bermudians. A feasibility study is commissioned.
July 1991: The feasibility study identifies an opportunity to create a unique educational institution with a broad programme to support underwater exploration.
Fall 1991: A Board of Trustees is assembled to guide the development of the Institute and a pilot project is created on the proposed site.
April 1992: A private bill is passed by the Bermuda Parliament, which legally creates the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI).
September 1992: Fundraising counsel is retained and the fundraising campaign begins.
December 1992: On-island architects are selected for the project.
January 1993: The initial meeting of the Friends of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute is held, creating a North American organization 501 (c) 3 to support the activities of the Institute.
April 1993: An agreement was reached, that allowed the development to proceed on the site.
April 1993: The first fundraising goal is reached and the challenge grant funding is committed.
May 1993: The first Annual General Meeting of BUEI is held.
November 1995. Excavation of the site began.
February 1996. Construction of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute begins.
November 16, 1996. The Premier of Bermuda, the Hon. David J. Saul lays the corner stone.
July 1, 1997. Two time capsules are laid, to be opened in 2022. One capsule was for donors and school children, and the second was a BUEI capsule.
July 10, 1997. The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute is officially opened by His Excellency, Thorold Masefield , Governor of Bermuda.
May 1999. The train started the cruise ship tours.
October 1, 1999. Film premiere, "Keepers of the Reef", with Teddy Tucker, Peter Benchley and Greg Stone.
March 2000. The launch of phase 2 of the exhibits.
Spring 2001. The launch of the After School Camp.
October 2002. The launch of the Teddy Tucker Marine Education Scholarship. Launch of a live feed from the wreck; Pollockshields in the Science at Sea exhibit area. The world's first continuous live feed from a wreck site. The unveiling of a 7,290 year old Bermuda Cedar tree stump, found in thirty feet of water off Gurnet Rock.
Spring 2003. Opened the new Teddy Tucker Shipwreck Gallery. Installed large squid model in Lobby.
Fall 2005. Installed a Narwhal skull and tooth exhibit.
Summer 2006. Hosted "Ancient Seas" traveling exhibit – prehistoric marine creatures.
Spring 2007. Installed "Oceans, Healthy Humans" exhibit and added a Xiphactinus Skull to our prehistoric marine creatures exhibit.
July 10th, 2007. BUEI celebrates tenth anniversary.
Spring 2008. Installed "Jellies Exhibit" on lower level.