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Archaeologists Return after more than 30 Years

Archaeologists Return after more than 30 Years

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Archaeologists Return after more than 30 Years

by The Museum / Tuesday, 04 March 2014 / Published in A Day at the National Museum

On Monday, March 3rd, Drs. Sullivan and Freimuth gave back-to-back “Meet the Experts” presentations describing the excavations they conducted on several Arawak sites they discovered on Middle Caicos in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The first archaeological investigations in the Turks & Caicos Islands were on Middle Caicos.

These were the first archaeological investigations ever conducted in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Museum Founder Grethe Seim was one of the participants in these excavations and they contributed to her desire to create the National Museum many years later.

View of the first excavations on Middle Caicos.

Glen started the show with a description of a large village site called MC-12 located not far from Bambara. Shaun’s presentation dealt with the site known as MC-6 and the evidence there for an ancient astronomical “observatory.”

We’re happy to welcome back Shaun and Glen after such a long time away from the islands.

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The Colors of the Turks and Caicos Islands

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RED was chosen to represent the nation’s capital, Grand Turk. The color is taken from the red/pink fruit found on the national plant, the Turks Head Cactus. They were once found in abundance on Grand Turk before they were removed to accommodate the salt ponds.

WHITE was chosen to represent Salt Cay. The color came from salt. The salt industry was largely responsible for populating the islands of Salt Cay, Grand Turk and South Caicos.

ORANGE was chosen to represent South and East Caicos. The color comes from the Spiny Lobster and fish and reflects the fishing industry in the “Big South.”

TAN was chosen to represent Middle Caicos. The color is taken from the raw material (thatch) that once covered the roofs of the houses. It is also used to make straw hats, baskets and brooms. Middle Caicos is known for the superior quality of native craftwork.

GREEN was chosen to represent North Caicos and Parrot Cay. The color is taken from the fruit trees and other types of trees that flourish in the most fertile of all the islands. North Caicos is also home of Wade’s Green Plantation, the most successful of Caicos Islands cotton plantations.

TURQUOISE was chosen to represent the islands of Providenciales, Pine Cay and West Caicos. The color is taken from the beautiful turquoise waters that surround these islands on which our famous Caicos fishing sloops sail. These turquoise waters also contribute to our newest industry, tourism.

PINK was chosen to represent the beautiful conch shell, flamingoes and the numerous uninhabited cays that make up our chain of islands.

YELLOW represents God’s glory as the sun shining down on all our beautiful islands and cays. The sun also contributes to our newest industry, tourism.

View a timeline of important events and dates in the history of the islands

A Few Artifacts You’ll See at the Museum

Our collections represent the rich historical, cultural and natural heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its people.

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Lucayan Duho

Photo courtesy of Joanna Ostapkowicz. The Duho is one of the rarest artifacts in the museum’s collections. It was used a ceremonial seat for the cacique or chief of the Lucayans, the first inhabitants of these islands.

Fresnel Lens

The Grand Turk Lighthouse was erected in 1852 and was originally designed to burn whale oil and had an Argand reflector lamp. In 1943 the lighthouse was converted to a Fresnel Lens one of these lenses is now on display at the Museum.

Swivel Gun

The Molasses reef wreck, an early Spanish Caravel was equipped with three types of breech-loading swivel guns, one type is shown above. The swivel guns are thought to be anti-personnel weapons placed wherever convenient along the ship’s rail.

Salt Industry Post Card

The museum has diverse collection of early postcards of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Most post cards depict scenes on Grand Turk, the capital and from the salt industry.

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Governor of the Turks & Caicos Islands

Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam

Nestled in the heart of Grand Turk, the Turks and Caicos Islands National Museum stands as a guardian of the rich history of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its vibrant culture. Housed in the historic "Guinep Lodge," a 200-year-old architectural gem, the museum invites all to embark on a journey through time, exploring the deep and diverse heritage of our nation.

From the ancient era of pre-Columbian civilization to modern-day milestones, the museum’s curated collection offers significant insight into the stories, traditions and legacies that have shaped the Turks and Caicos Islands. With admirable dedication, the museum serves as a custodian of these narratives, preserving invaluable artefacts that chronicle the experiences and contributions of its ancestors. Through its exhibits, the past comes alive, providing a unique cultural tapestry of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Beyond its role as a preserver of history, the museum is a vital hub of education and community engagement inspiring pride in our historical roots. The museum is more than a keeper of the past; it is an active participant in shaping the future of our islands. I encourage residents and visitors to experience the Turks and Caicos Islands National Museum.

Your support not only helps safeguard the heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands but enriches collective understanding of the extraordinary journey that has shaped these beautiful by nature islands.

Minister for Tourism, Envrionment, Heritage & Culture, Maritime, and Gaming

Hon. Josephine Connolly

"It is a pleasure as Minister with responsibility of Heritage to welcome you to the Turks and Caicos Islands National Museum website. This Gem of an operation is perhaps the most notable establishment in regards to sites of historical interest. Since its establishment in 1991 it has always been an intricate part of our tourism product.

As a supporter, I believe the National Museum’s success depends on all resident and visitors; and as Minister I am committed to strengthening our tourism product through the infusion of authenticity and the increase in awareness of the National Museum in the development of heritage assets for sustainable tourism development.

Visit and explore the Grand Turk and Providenciales locations and experience our heritage and culture through interactive displays and exhibits. Special thanks is extended to the National Museum, a tangible product, a repository for artefacts and documents, providing a true island experience.".

Hon. Josephine Connolly
Minister for Tourism, Envrionment, Heritage & Culture, Maritime, and Gaming

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Former President of Turks and Caicos Islands Community College

Dr. Hubert A. Fulford

"My interest in history and research goes back to my years as a student at the then Grand Turk Secondary School, where my teacher and later mentor, the late Helena Jones Robinson instilled a curiosity in me to appreciate context. At that time, not fully appreciating the impact that curiosity would have on me, I sought only to please my teacher.

Pursuing tertiary education at various institutions, in various countries and at various levels, my initial foundation of inquiry was further stimulated. Libraries and museums would form a very important part of my education, specifically during my studies in Jamaica, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Returning home after my studies abroad, my first visit to the Museum so captivated me that I began to tell all persons, visitors and islanders alike, that a visit to the museum was a MUST! The quaintness, yet thorough organization and presentation of artifacts of various kinds avowed me.

I found tremendous joy in taking my TCI Studies students to the Museum, standing back and listening to their expressions of excitement and curiosity as the curators and assistants would walk them through the various displays and presentations.

The Jamaican expression “likkle but tallawah” (small but strong) aptly fits our Museum. The significance of this institution to our history and culture cannot be over stressed.

Welcome to The Museum. A combination of history, culture and enchantment awaits you."

Dr. Hubert A. Fulford
Former President of Turks and Caicos Islands Community College

Historic Photo Gallery of the Turks and Caicos Islands

All images and the design of this Web site are protected under federal copyright laws. Any downloading, duplication or reproduction of any part of this Web site by any method whatsoever without the expressed written permission of the Turks & Caicos National Museum Foundation is strictly prohibited. Photos and/or usage rights are available for purchase please contact us for details.

Locations

Guinep House, Front Street

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies (BWI)
Tel (01 649) 247-2160
From the US (786) 220-1159
Hours Vary - See our schedule under Locations

The Village at Grace Bay

Development Office and Caicos Heritage House
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies (BWI)
Tel (01 649) 247-2160
Grace Bay Hours: See Hours For This Location

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