OUR STORY
About Us
The Heritage Experience was created to preserve and share local traditions in a way that is both engaging and historically grounded. It is not a performance built for spectacle, but a living interpretation of everyday life, craftsmanship, and community practices that have shaped the region over generations.
Heritage Experience was created through the shared vision and collaborative efforts of Ghyslaine Richardson, Helene Hanson and Cecil Nicholas, with a commitment to ensuring that St. Martin’s stories, traditions and cultural knowledge are preserved, experienced and passed forward to future generations. The concept originated from collaboration with cultural historians, artisans, and community elders who wanted to ensure that traditional knowledge would continue to be shared in an accessible way. Every element of the experience, from the demonstrations to the food preparation and music, reflects real techniques and customs that have been passed down through families.
The Story Behind The Heritage Experience
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Heritage Experience will hold its official Grand Opening on October 15, 2026,
following several months of soft opening.
Our acting cast is the heartbeat of the Heritage Experience. Made up of local performers who care deeply about Saint Martin's story, they step into the roles of the people who came before us.
Through their performances, history stops being something you read about and becomes something you can see, hear and feel. They share the humor, the struggles and the warmth of island life with honesty and heart, and they make every guest feel like part of the village. By the time you leave, you won't just know a little more about Saint Martin. You'll feel like you've spent an afternoon among its people.
Beyond the regular Heritage Experience tour, the Spring Garden venue will also serve as a setting for special cultural events and theatrical productions, including other original plays written by Ghyslaine Richardson and Helene Hanson. Special performances were introduced during the soft-opening period, and additional cultural programming is envisioned for the future.
The setting has been carefully designed to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional village environment. While adapted for today’s visitors, the stories, tools, recipes, and practices are rooted in authentic heritage. Guests are invited to observe, ask questions, and engage at their own comfort level.
This experience is built on three principles: preservation, participation, and respect. By visiting, you are contributing to the continuation of these traditions and supporting the communities who keep them alive.
"PRESERVING OUR RICH HISTORY"
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If you are interested in the broader history, educational programs, or upcoming cultural events, we invite you to explore the full story of our mother organization.
Visit www.sxmheritagevillage.com to discover our mission, community partnerships, and the ongoing projects that support cultural preservation worldwide.
We look forward to welcoming you!
