What is ADHT

The ADHT is a transnational heritage tourism initiative, formed in 2001 by the Bermuda Ministry of Tourism to serve as a catalyst to link historic and cultural destinations throughout the countries of the African Diaspora into a network of vibrant tourist attractions that focus attention on their shared historical and cultural heritages.  The concept of the ADHT is one of a transnational cultural tourism initiative to educate visitors, enhance economic viability of African Diaspora countries and safeguard the core values and creativity of African descent, culture and history.

The Work of ADHT

ADHT seeks to establish heritage trails linking Diaspora traditions in Africa, South and Central America, Bermuda, The Caribbean, Europe, the United States and Canada by developing a network of collaborators who identify, build, finance, promote and market memorable heritage destinations.  ADHT destinations will foster sustainable economic development, provide inspiring educational experiences, produce quality cultural products that expose visitors to authentic African Diaspora history and culture, and motivate local populations to become active participants in the preservation and dissemination of their history and culture.

The ADHT Annual Conference creates a unique and inspiring four-day learning environment where government officials, institutional representatives, historians, educators, artists, cultural policy analysts, architects, media, tourism marketing officials, preservationists and interested individuals—all committed to the development of viable African Diaspora heritage destinations may gather to explore trends, experience cultural expression, participate in professional development sessions, examine model heritage trail programs and enjoy networking with their colleagues.   

ADHT Milestones
2001
The first African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference was launched by the Late David H. Allen, Minister of Tourism on the island of Bermuda. 

2002
The first African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference, hosted by the Government of Bermuda and David Allen, attracted 250 delegates from throughout the Diaspora to explore linkages through a heritage trail program. The concept of the ADHT was very well received by all who attended.

2005
The African Diaspora Heritage Trail Planning Conference brought together a working group of 50 government leaders, scholars and heritage destination professionals.  The meeting was initiated and sponsored by the Minister of Tourism and Transport, the Honorable Ewart F.  Brown, JP, MP and was planned and managed by Henderson Associates, Inc.  Consensus was reached to call for an ADHT Conference in 2006 and to host the ADHT in Bermuda every other year, alternating hosting with different member countries and destinations of the African Diaspora.  Artist/Activist Danny Glover agreed to become the Conference Chair for the 2006 conference. 

2006
The Second African Diaspora Heritage Conference was held in Bermuda and attended by nearly 300 representatives from throughout Africa, the Caribbean and USA.  The theme was “Linking Our Futures—From Philosophy to Practice in Heritage Destination Development”.   Conference resolutions called for the formation of a permanent organization dedicated to assist the development of heritage trail destinations throughout the African Diaspora.  The Bermuda African Diaspora Heritage Trail was officially dedicated and delegates toured the newly created and restored 13 sites of the Bermuda Heritage Trail.
 
2007

The Third International African Diaspora Heritage Conference, “From Slave Ship to Self-Determined Destinations”, hosted by the Government of the Bahamas in Nassau, on October 10-14, was a gathering of international representatives of government, cultural institutions, scholars, artists, journalists, educators, preservationists, architects, engineers and students -- all committed to the careful and thoughtful development of heritage destinations that convey the rich, diverse stories of the peoples of Africa and the Diaspora through their own artistic expressions, written and oral histories, institution building and policy making.