For Keane I. ’27, history is more than a subject to study – it’s a story to preserve and share. With plans to study history in college, Keane is already finding ways to take his passion beyond the classroom.

Hailing from Bermuda, Keane spent his summer volunteering with the Bermuda Historical Society, where he helped welcome visitors, care for artifacts and bring the island’s history to life in a new way. By creating a website and adding QR codes to museum exhibits, he made it easier for visitors to explore stories that might otherwise remain hidden.

As one of Stevenson’s few students from Bermuda in recent years, Keane brings a unique perspective to campus and a passion for helping others connect with the people, places and events that shape communities. Whether he is diving into historical research, competing in swimming and running, or serving as a prefect, Keane approaches each experience with curiosity and a desire to make an impact.

How did your work with the Bermuda Historical Society begin?

I’ve always loved history and wanted to find a way to move beyond reading and research into something more hands-on. Last spring, I reached out to the Bermuda Historical Society to ask if I could volunteer over the summer, and they enthusiastically welcomed me.

I spent more than six weeks at the museum, helping lead tours, working with donations and assisting with the preservation of artifacts. As I spent more time there, I realized there was an opportunity to make the museum more interactive and accessible, so I proposed creating a website. I had very little experience building websites, but I worked closely with museum staff and volunteers to learn more about the collections and share those stories online.

To add another layer to the experience, I created QR codes that visitors can scan while walking through the museum. Guests can read the exhibit information in person and then use their phones to discover more details, photos and stories. It was exciting to help modernize the museum while preserving its history.

What do you wish more people knew about Bermuda’s history?

Bermuda is unique in so many ways. It truly is a gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and I have been fortunate enough to have been born and raised there.

Many people know about the island’s pink sand beaches, but fewer know how they formed. Tiny marine organisms called foraminifera help create the pink sand, and Bermuda’s reefs – the northernmost coral reefs in the Atlantic – are central to the island’s history and environment.

Those reefs are beautiful, but they can also be treacherous. Over centuries, hundreds of ships were wrecked there, creating a rich maritime history. Bermuda’s natural environment has shaped everything about the island, and I think those connections between nature, history, and culture deserve more attention.

There are more than 300 shipwrecks scattered around the island, some of which are hundreds of years old. What makes this part of Bermuda’s history so special is that it is not confined to books or museum walls. You can go out and dive on these wrecks and quite literally swim through history.

You are a senior this year. What does a typical day at Stevenson look like for you?

Stevenson days are busy, but that’s part of what makes them enjoyable. I usually start with breakfast in the dining hall before classes, and I enjoy spending community time and lunch with friends. After classes, I look forward to extracurriculars, especially running and swimming.
Another highlight is serving as a prefect. It’s a chance to connect with other students and help strengthen the community, which has been an important part of my Stevenson experience.

How would you describe the Stevenson community?

The Stevenson community is welcoming and caring. Coming to boarding school from Bermuda was a huge change. I had never switched schools before, and suddenly I was more than 4,500 miles from home.

From the beginning, though, people made me feel included. I was able to build friendships quickly and feel supported in my classes. The dorm faculty, counselors and teachers all create an environment where students know help is available whenever they need it.

What is something at Stevenson that pushed you outside your comfort zone?

Swimming and running have definitely challenged me. Before Stevenson, I had never competed regularly at an interscholastic level, so training and competing against others felt intimidating at first.

Swim season, in particular, pushed me outside my comfort zone. The workouts were demanding, but my teammates supported me throughout the process. That experience taught me a lot about perseverance and the importance of community.

What are you excited to explore after Stevenson?

Stevenson has opened many doors and helped me develop values that I know will stay with me for life. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue learning, travel to new places and explore different opportunities, whether that’s through college, new experiences or discovering more about the world around me. I am excited to see what comes next, and Stevenson has prepared me well for whatever adventure lies ahead.