Today in History: February 28

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, noted Bahamian artist Amos Ferguson was born in the forest on Great Exuma in 1920.

The Bahamas Historical Society notes Ferguson was an artist, upholster, furniture finisher and house painter who did not focus on his artistic works until his 40s. He claimed his calling to paint was divinely inspired as is reflected in his numerous canvases or Biblical stories.

A number of his works also focused on Bahamian life and culture.

Ferguson gained international exposure in the 70s when American collector Sukie Miller bought several of his paintings, which the historical society notes would eventually lead to a show in the United States featuring his work.

In 2005, Exuma Street in the Grove was renamed Amos Ferguson Street. His home which sits on the street was converted into an art gallery.

Ferguson died in Nassau in October 2012. He was 89.

On this day in history, 2004 saw the resignation of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. At president Aristide’s request, the United States facilitated his safe departure from Haiti. The U.S. State Department noting the decision by President Aristide resolved the political impasse that was at the root of the violent unrest in Haiti at the time. 

The U.S. deployed a contingent of U.S. Marines as the initial contingent of a multinational interim force.

And in 2012 the Vatican secret archives put on a public exhibition of some of its most important documents in celebration of its 400th birthday.

The 50 miles of shelves were packed with the popes’ correspondences with everyone from Michelangelo, Voltaire, Mozart, Hitler, and Abraham Lincoln among others and were normally seen only by strictly vetted scholars.

The exhibit was designed to counter some of the myths perpetuated by works of fiction like Dan Brown’s ‘Angels and Demons’.