One of our most popular exhibits is the barrel display. Its origin came from a curious young man who inquired about what the barrels were used for in the past. During the 18th century, barrels were the preferred shipping containers for various liquids and dry goods. They were versatile and held everything from gunpowder to spices. Furthermore, they were often reused to suit different needs.

​**MATURE CONTENT WARNING** 
In the past, barrels were frequently employed as vessels to transport the deceased back to England. Rum was a popular liquid used for preservation purposes because it was inexpensive and simple to produce.