Turks and Caicos MuseumTurks and Caicos Museum
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  • Conclusion
 

Conclusion

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Help preserve the history of the islands.

Conclusion

Slave history, like all history is biased. In most cases it is written from one side only: that of the slave owner.

With the exception of Mary Prince’s accounts there are no known records written by slaves in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and even this record appears to have been censored.

What we are left with are the official records. The way slave history has been recorded and preserved has clearly created serious problems when researching the subject. Ignoring the simple fact that most of the records are mere lists and collections of “facts”: slave name, age, sex, numbers, regulations, baptism record, work carried out, administration, legislation etc. and not what we are interested in today: the life and hardships of the slaves. The records are so well concealed amongst thousands of other documents it could take many decades to unravel the leads so far uncovered. This is the case for a small country that rarely had over 2000 slaves so it is likely to be more complex for larger countries with larger populations.

So how can researchers help each other? It is clear that during our research we have come across references that tie to other countries, especially the Bahamas, Bermuda and the USA. We have not passed this information on as it should be known about by the relevant countries as most are in the Public Records which the relevant country’s archivists have had access to. However, with the growth of people carrying out their personal family history there is a broad range of new data being made available, and not necessarily being shared.

One issue the Museum also has is how to try and change popular held beliefs. In most cases these beliefs have been taught in the schools. “Our Country, The Turks and Caicos Islands” has been adopted as the main textbook at schools for history and geography. Written and published before the Museum opened it provided an invaluable insight into the countries history, but was limited to the data available to the coordinating team. There is no discussion about the data presented (for example it only talks about the Esperanza being wrecked on East Caicos with its cargo of 300 slaves) and in some instances is clearly wrong (it shows 1832 as the date of emancipation rather than the real date of 1834). It is now time to try and provide more information to the public of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Maybe one good starting point would be a rewrite of this textbook.

At this point it would be best to end with a quote from Mary Prince:
Oh the horrors of slavery!–How the thought of it pains my heart! But the truth ought to be told of it; and what my eyes have seen I think it is my duty to relate; for few people in England know what slavery is. I have been a slave–I have felt what a slave feels, and I know what a slave knows; and I would have all the good people in England to know it too, that they may break our chains, and set us free.

Culture & History

  • Golden Age of the Turks Islands
  • Nature & Environment
  • Slavery
  • Lucayans
  • Shipwrecks
  • Salt Industry
  • SIsal Industry
  • Royal Events
  • Space Race
  • Turks & Caicos History Timeline
  • Landmarks
  • Further Reading

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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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Click here to view a timeline of important events and dates in the history of the islands

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

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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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