By Jackie Garbarino
Gift Shop and Volunteer Manager
On March 14, 2013, Candianne and I had the privilege to meet 10 members of the Manuel Family of Bermuda and introduce them to our wonderful museum. Bill Manuel is the patriarch of the group and donated a book written by his aunt who was born in Grand Turk in 1904. He also donated a copy of The Chronicle and Dependency News dated April 3, 1929 and a very old land and survey map of Grand Turk from the salt mounds in front of the Odd Fellow’s Lodge to the southern tip of the island.
The Manuel Family at the Turks & Caicos National Museum. Bill Manuel is fourth from the left in the front row.
The book, chronicle and map give us another window into the past of Grand Turk. It is my hope that on Bill’s next visit to Grand Turk he will have time to sit with us in our about to be established sound studio, and share his knowledge of the history of Grand Turk. Many members of his family lived and worked here from the early 1800’s, and his family still owns property on the island.
Candianne and I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the family members, and basked in the glow of their appreciation for the Best Little Museum in the Caribbean and our newly restored garden. They were very good shoppers too! Thanks to the Manuel Family for their contributions.
