In June 2002 Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Golden Jubilee. As the Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory they also took part in these festivities. For the first 4 days of June, celebrations took place throughout the Islands and the Museum took photographs on Grand Turk and has been donated a series of digital images taken by David Vicker’s as he accompanied His Excelency Governor Jones on his official duties during the celebrations.
Prior to the official celebrations the Museum provided support in many areas. Probably the most lasting was our support for the Jubilee Souvenir Brochure produced by Public Relations Department of the Tourist Board for the Jubilee Committee. The Museum supplied text on historical royal visits, images and are one of the retail outlets for this keepsake. Each issue is individually numbered from 0001 to 5000 (number 0001 was given to Queen Elizabeth II) and priced at only $5 are well worth the investment, as they will become collector’s items. To find out how to purchase a copy visit the section on the Museum Shop.
The Museum also assisted with the production of three sets of Stamps. The Museum provided old photographs, took new photographs and scanned all the images that were to be used. To learn more about the three sets of Stamps read the section on Stamps Celebrating Golden Jubilee.
For the Jubilee weekend the Museum also prepared a temporary exhibition on British Royal Visits, which will remain on display at the Museum for the rest of this year. Included in the case are the items produced this year to commemorate the jubilee, including a straw crown made on Middle Caicos by Loathie Harvey and Judy Geddis, two 20-crown Coins, a badge which has been given to all school Children as a memento of this historic occasion, and the sets of Stamps. As well as these new items there are other items from the past, such as the Coronation Medals issued in to some local residents in 1953, to celebrate the Royal link with the Islands.
Please Note:
The Museum has a wide range of digital images taken throughout the Islands during the festivities that were held to mark Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee. These can all be viewed at the Museum by appointment.
Contents of this story:
Turks and Caicos National Museum
Nigel Sadler
see Fall 2002 issue of Astrolabe |
