Rob Stewart (Sharkwater), Katharine Hart (DEMA), Jackie Walker (Amanyara), Tina Randall (Provo Ponies), Rick MacPherson (Pew), and Jennifer Sawada (Pew Charitable Trusts). Photos by B. Naqqi Manco

On Sunday March 29 the TCNM hosted Mr. Rob Stewart who made the award winning documentary “Sharkwater”. Everyone who came walked away with a different view of sharks and what needs to be done to help save this vital creature of the sea. Rob showed the film, and answered many questions from the audience. He then showed how a sixth grade classroom made a difference in changing their governments view of shark hunting.

If you have not seen this great documentary it is available on YouTube, and Rob’s hope is to educate the masses in order to change laws and also stop illegal long line fishing before it eradicates the entire shark population. For more information about Sharkwater visit the website and view the documentary movie trailer.

On Tuesday, March 17, John Conley and his wife Darlene stopped by the Museum to give us his photos from when he was stationed at NAVFAC Grand Turk. John was a wealth of information from his one year stint on Grand Turk in July 1967 to July 1968. Along with many photos, (which are all identified) he gifted his welcome packet, his arm patch, his orders and even a Thanksgiving menu. He spent most of the morning going through his photos, and we arranged for Neil Saxton to take him and Darlene for a tour of the old North base and Lighthouse. John was amazed that not much had changed since his time in Grand Turk and was thrilled that someone wanted his photos and memorabilia. The Turks and Caicos National Museum will be renovating the John Glenn exhibit to include items we have received from servicemen.

Darlene and John Conley.

We thank John for his wonderful gift and encourage others to contact the Museum if you have served in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

By Candianne Williams
Museum Representative, Village at Grace Bay

As part of education week, Mrs. Robinson, Grade 6 teacher at the Oseta Jolly Primary School took her class to visit the museum’s developmental office in Grace Bay, Providenciales. Mrs. Robinson, who now lives and works in Providenciales, was delighted that she had the opportunity to continue her tradition of bringing her class to learn the history of the islands from the museum. When she taught at the Ona Glinton Primary School in Grand Turk she organized a field trip for her Grade 6 students to the museum every year.

Students from Osseta Jolly grade 6 study the history timeline.

The children were fascinated with what they learned. Kumberlyn Jeanty in his heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of his class expressed how happy he was to learn so much history in one morning. As he was speaking, the other students nodded and echoed his sentiments and then one of them turned and thanked their teacher for giving them such a wonderful learning opportunity. They look forward having a National Museum in Providenciales.

Students were happy with their visit to the Village at Grace Bay development office.

On Thursday February 26, 2015 Ms. Paola Amadei visited the Turks and Caicos National Museum and Botanical and Cultural Garden. Ms. Amadei is the Ambassador, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Jamaica, Belize, Bahamas, Cayman and Turks and Caicos Islands.
Ms. Amadei was on official business to the Turks and Caicos Islands as a result of the successful delivery of the $6.25m project which saw 58 homes rebuilt or repaired following Hurricanes Ike and Hannah in 2008.

L-R: Fred Glinton, Ms. Amadei and Patrick Boyle

Our own Fred Glinton was a recipient of this funding and received a rebuilt homestead which was demolished as a result of Hurricane Ike. Thank you EU and Ms. Amadei for helping Fred!!

By Candianne Williams
Museum Representative, Village at Grace Bay

During his visit to Providenciales in February Dr. Keith had the pleasure of speaking with a group of twenty three grade 6 students and their teachers from the Ianthe Pratt, Richmond Hill Primary School, Holy Family Academy and Precious Treasures Primary School at the Development Office, Grace Bay Campus. He also met with students from Champions for Christ International School of Excellence and The International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Dr. Keith explains the story of the Molasses Reef Wreck.

The students all engaged in lively discussion with Dr. Keith as he shared his knowledge of the history of the islands and outlined the plans for the National Museum in Providenciales. They asked many questions about the stories we hope to develop in the new museum and also about his work as a marine archaeologist on the Molasses Reef and Trouvadore shipwreck sites. They listened in absolute silence, hanging on to every word as he recounted his experiences.

From the sound of it I would say that we have at least one future underwater archaeologist and a few more with definite interest in the museum field. The future looks very bright for us.

By Candianne Williams
Grace Bay Campus TCNM

The Grade Three class of The International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands, who are presently studying the Lucayan Indians, truly embraced the topic on their recent visit to the Museum’s Grace Bay Campus. The students were ably accompanied and assisted by their teachers Tracey Nesbit and Irene Danics.

Eager students learning about the Lucayan Indians at the Museum.

The young Lucayans produced tools and jewelry referencing the displays at the museum and their text, all from materials found in the natural environment like sticks and conch shells.

Getting organized with all the same materials used in the past and found in the natural environment.

We quickly found out that it took great skill to make tools that were functional. However, this very creative group was up to the challenge and succeeded in the end.

Progress on the shell necklace after some hard work.

Their hard work paid off with some great looking tools.

This was the first group of students to visit the Museum’s Grace Bay Campus, which is still in its developmental stage. I must say we all had great fun delving into the Lucayan history. We look forward to being a learning resource to more groups in the future.

For more information about the Grace Bay campus or to arrange a visit, contact Candianne Williams