Recognizing Bahamian Author and Historian, Rosemary Hanna

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I was happy to see my friend and fellow Bahamian author, Rosemary Hanna, recognized in this recent blog post.

Rosemary is the author of Pictorial History and Memories of Nassau’s Over-The-Hill as well as executive producer of the documentary, Nassau’s Over-The-Hill.

Over-the-Hill, for those who don’t know, is a section of Nassau located south of the ridge that borders the city’s downtown core.

First settled by newly emancipated slaves, Over-the-Hill is made up of a number of different neighbourhoods, including Bain Town and Grants Town.

Many famous Bahamians hail from Over-the-Hill, including Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling, who led the country on its march to independence. Sir Orville Turnquest, Sir Randal Fawkes, Supreme Court Justice Jeanne Thompson, and our current prime minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis, all hail from Over-the-Hill During the mid-20th century, the seeds of the Bahamian labour and suffragist movements were sown here.

Born and raised Over-the-Hill, Rosemary Hanna became dismayed at how unkempt and rundown the area had become in recent years.

Having helped preserve her own family home Over-the-Hill, she’s now leading the charge to revitalize and preserve the area’s rich history.

Rosemary’s book, Pictorial History and Memories of Nassau’s Over the Hill paints a rich picture of Over-the-Hill life during the 1900s, and shares fascinating details about the families who called the area home.

I’ve read it three times as part of research for a current book project, and each time, I develop an even greater appreciation for the unique history of this part of Nassau.

With each year that passes, we lose more of our elders to time. And, but for the  efforts of historians like Rosemary, they would take with them their valuable stories, experiences and insights into our country’s past.

Kudos, Rosemary, for this recognition, and thank you so much for documenting the history of Over-the-Hill so that future generations will know the vital role this area played in the story of the Bahamas.