Redpath Sugar Museum

Redpath Sugar Museum review

This unusual museum, housed in a converted sugar bag warehouse, was opened in 1979 and underwent a major revamp in 1996. In addition to generic exhibits on the history of the Redpath dynasty and of the sugar industry in general, there are also special programmes for groups. To the museum's credit, these have often delved into controversial issues of the sugar trade, including the role of child, immigrant and slave labour, and the introduction of women into the workforce. This is a working refinery, and sugar boats from the Caribbean are often in port unloading their cargo. They can interfere with access to the museum, so call ahead. And although its hours don't lend themselves to the weekend tourist trade, the sugar museum is free and worth a stop. The entrance is poorly marked, but when you sign in, the gate attendant will direct you.