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  • Articles posted by Lisa Turnbow-Talbot
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Support the Museum.

Help preserve the history of the islands.

Grand Turk 2019 upcoming Projects

Thursday, 13 December 2018 by
Children’s Club – We are starting the monthly Children’s Club again. The first club will be held on February 16, 2019. Arts, crafts, games and field trips will be designed to be both fun and educational. Children from ages 8-12 are invited to participate. The club is FREE!! Enrollment will start in January. The club will be held once a month on a Saturday from 1pm – 3pm.
Oral History Interviews – Oral histories are the collection and study of historical information using tape recordings of interviews with people having personal knowledge of past events.  Preserving oral history is a critical phase of genealogical research and data preservation. If you are interested in participating or know someone who should be interviewed please contact us. Individuals from all islands will be included.
Community Mosaic – We plan to turn the museum wall into an original handmade mosaic. This project started on Museum Day and be an ongoing project. We had children draw pictures of landmarks, animals and plants. Those pictures were used to create the various images that will be part of the mosaic. The wall mosaic will transform our environment and community creating a lasting, beautiful change.  Participants will learn mosaic techniques and gain deeper pride in the community. The mosaic will include representations of all areas of life in the Turks & Caicos including our history, culture, nature and wildlife.
for more information on any of these projects please email us at info@tcmuseum.org
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Grand Turk host SPCA Clinic

Thursday, 13 December 2018 by
The museum assisted the Turks & Caicos SPCA on Grand Turk by allowing them to hold their Spay and Neuter clinic in the Science Building. The clinic was held from November 14th to November 20th and was a huge success. There were over 90 animals that were treated! They even had a chicken show up! The space was well suited for the clinic and the central location made it easy for pet owners to bring in their pets. We had many children show up on a day that school was cancelled due to weather. The children learned about the importance of spay and neutering their pets and even watched the surgeries. Our own director Michael Pateman ended up adopting two puppies. One of our prior volunteers from Florida, Kelly Scudder-Temple, also adopted a puppy. This is another event that benefits the community that we were proud to participate in.
A very well done and thank you to the
TCSPCA volunteers, veterinarian and vet tech that also volunteered their time for this important cause.
Interested in adopting a pet or getting involved with the TCSPCA?  Visit their website tcspca.tc or grandturkspca.org
 
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Fathom Volunteers – Garden Event – Grand Turk

Thursday, 13 December 2018 by
A group of over 50 people from the Crown Princess volunteered to assist the Grand Turk museum on November 22nd. The amazing volunteers painted the garden fence, primed the garden wall, primed the shed, cleaned the garden and rebuilt the south gate. The participants of the Travel Deep program combine a vacation with an opportunity to give back. Adults and Children showed up ready to work!! We can not express our gratitude enough for what was accomplished by this group. Many of them actually thanked us for the opportunity! This improvement to the garden is a benefit to the entire community. As residents and visitors alike travel down Front street the improvement is immediately evident.
The volunteers even donated school supplies that we will be using at Christmas to give out free gift bags to children.
A special thanks goes to our local volunteers Ed & Teresa Grice, Edgar & Claudia Schnetz, Joe Smith and Hilary Day for also volunteering and helping us with the group that day. We would like to also thank Jack’s Shack for providing ice for the event.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE
WHO MADE THIS INCREDIBLE DAY POSSIBLE!
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2018 Turks and Caicos National Museum’s History and Cultural Heritage Quiz

Wednesday, 24 October 2018 by

Congratulations to winners

1st Place Winner – HJ Robinson High School
2nd Place Winner – Raymond Gardiner High School

Thank you to all of the schools that participated. The students were engaged and eager and from their answers, it was clear that they were well prepared. We applaud the principals, your teachers and students and parents for a job well done.

Thanks to our sponsors Fortis TCI, interCaribbean Airways, TC Reef Fund, Department of Education, Department of Culture, Turks and Caicos Taxi Association, British West Indies Collegiate, Mr. Stuart Haynes and Mr. Brandford Handfield for Technical Support.
We wish to thank our quiz masters, judges for both the preliminary and final round, facilitators, caterer and support teams from Department of Environment and Coastal Resources and the Turks and Caicos National Museum.

For the complete story and other Heritage Month projects we participated in click here

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Kid’s Club on Grand Turk

Thursday, 04 October 2018 by

We are excited to announce:

Turks & Caicos National Museum Kids Club on Grand Turk is starting back up in January of 2019!!

!!The Club is FREE!!
When: The Kids Club will be held once a Month on a Saturday starting January 2019 – Exact Dates to follow
Ages:  8-12
Where:  Club will be held at the Science Building in the back of the Museum

Activities include art, crafts and mosaic projects that focus on the culture, nature, environment and history of the Turks & Caicos.

Please let us know if you would be interested in volunteering to assist occasionally with the Kids Club.

More information will follow in December as we finalize the plans and dates for the club!

 

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A Day of Many First – School Visit to Village at Grace Bay campus

Tuesday, 02 October 2018 by
A Day of many Firsts

We were pleased to welcome Mr. Toby Barkworth Knight principal of the newly established Providenciales Middle School and their very first grade 7 class of fifteen students on Thursday 27th September to the Museum’s Grace Bay Campus.
It was a day of many first as our new Director Dr. Michael Pateman made his first school presentation at the Grace Bay campus. It was the first time we used our new prototype Lucayan education kit. I must say the houtia is the star of the kit.
The museum plans to create additional education kits in other subject areas to enhance our offerings for class field trips so that we can be even a greater resource to the classes that visit the museum.
The students enjoyed taking the trip through time along our historical timeline. We were delighted to have the opportunity to share a bit of history with them. We are excited at the prospect of doing so much more in the future as we work towards getting the new museum building started at the museum campus in Grace Bay Providenciales.

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November 22nd – Grand Turk Garden Restoration

Wednesday, 12 September 2018 by
The museum will be working with Fathom and a group of volunteers off of the Princess Cruise Ship. Fathom is a non-profit organization that works with Carnival Cruise Corporation to organize volunteers to do work on the islands that the ship visits. On their stop in Grand Turk the volunteers will be assisting us with the garden which was damaged during the hurricanes of September 2017. The garden is in need of replanting, repairs and painting.
We are so excited and pleased to be working with this organization!!
We are asking that local volunteers join us to help restore the garden.
Please contact us if you are interested in participating or have questions!  Want to learn more about Fathom – visit their website.
NOTE the date this is a revised date from the announcement in our September newsletter.
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Grand Turk Museum Day 2018

Tuesday, 04 September 2018 by

The Turks & Caicos National Museum will be holding Museum Day on Grand Turk, Saturday, November 3, 2018

Please join us for Museum Day.   We are hosting this fund raiser to increase community involvement and awareness of the museum.   This fund raiser will be offering a day full of fun, prizes and entertainment.

  • Games & Crafts for the kids
  • Entertainment provided by a Band &  DJ
  • Bake Sale
  • Food & Drinks for sale
  • Raffle with Great Prizes

Entry is Free!!

If you are interested in volunteering please contact us.  We are also looking for donations.  Donations can be monetary or goods and services such as gift certificates that can be given away as prizes in the raffle we will be holding.  Monetary donations will go towards supplies and goods to be held for sale.

Want to Volunteer, Donate or just have questions – Please contact Michael Pateman 232-4535 or email us.  

Thank you for supporting The Museum!

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September 2018 Newsletter

Tuesday, 04 September 2018 by

Review Our September 2018 Newsletter 

 

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August 2018 Newsletter

Tuesday, 04 September 2018 by

Review Our August 2018 Newsletter 

 

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The Museum is a publicly funded not for profit organization.

It is not a part of the Turks & Caicos Islands Government and receives no regular support from the Government. Only your Support makes it all possible. Become a supporter today — we can’t do it without your help.

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The Colors of the Turks and Caicos Islands

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

View Timeline

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.

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.

Take a Look

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

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.

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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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