The museums serves as the home of research for the national parks throughout Antigua as well as the registered office for the National Commission for UNESCO in Antigua. Led by Dr. Reginald Murphy, the history and heritage of Antigua and Barbuda continue to be uncovered, investigated and catalogued. 

Along with Dr. Murphy, a librarian, a graduate student volunteer and a biologist work from the museum on a huge variety of projects.

The team work with researchers worldwide. many of whom due to the enormous links that Dr. Murphy has made in the fields of archaelogoy and research while working and being educated in North America. The team also get involved in projects outside of the parks but where the subject matter is of national heritage and importance for example the Barbuda Council, Schools snd the Ministry of Tourism

CURRENT RESEARCH

PRE-HISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGY

Five pre-Columbian sites, one Archaic Age, three Early Ceramic Age, and one late Ceramic Age, are currently being investigated by archaeologists working out of the the Field Research Centre.
Beside the many interesting artifacts that have been recently unearthed, such as the vessel depicted here, our current research is beginning to shed light on this poorly understood period of Antigua history.

HISTORICAL PERIOD ARCHAEOLOGY

Historical period research currently focuses on the life and times of eighteenth century Antigua. Sites under investigations are within the military establishments and fortifications in and around English Harbour. Excavations are now being conducted in the Nelson's Dockyard.

Research projects include underwater archaeology. Seen here are some of the more than one thousand artifacts recovered from the July 2001 Nelson's Dockyard Seawall Project. While conservation remains a problem, these artifacts below provide remarkable insight into life at this British naval outpost during the Age of Sail.

OTHER RESEARCH

The Field Research Centre is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge through multi-disciplinary field research. It provides workspace, storage, comparative collections, and logistical support for students and academics conducting field research on Antigua.

Knowledge gained is imparted to the public through publications, research bulletins, lectures and museum exhibits. Here, we can see a student volunteer upgrade some of the Museum's main exhibits, imparting current information and displaying newly unearthed artifacts. Meanwhile, Centre archaeologists conduct preliminary analysis of recently excavated one thousand eight hundred year old Arawak pottery.