Museum established for Jamaican former Premier and National Hero

Author: Tyrone Thompson, Gleaner Staff Reporter
Title: Norman's Birthplace Restored
Date published: December 14, 2014
URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20141214/news/news6.html

Abstract:
This article reports on the restoration of the birthplace of former Premier and National Hero Norman Manley at Roxborough in Manchester and the establishment of a museum there. Excerpts of speech are reported from Tourism Minister Wykeham McNeill reacting to the completion of the restoration. Also mentioned is the amount spent so far - $42 million. The article further outlines the economic challenges plaguing the project while providing arguments for the value of the project for Jamaican heritage and tourism. Also reported is Ainsley Henriques, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Heritage Trust, defending the investment made in Roxborough and arguing that the return on investment is already evident in the numbers of increased visitors.

Excerpt:

The site, which sits on approximately 2.5 acres, had fallen into disrepair and eventually destroyed by fire in 1968. It was renovated by the Government and the National Heritage Fund and was reopened in July of 2013 as a museum and heritage park. The roads leading to the site were also repaved.

McNeill argued that there is intrinsic value in the renovation of historical sites such as Roxborough, which he believes will aid in projecting the island as a multiple-attraction destination.

"Its part of the wider cultural package. You have to remember that part of the role of the Tourism Enhancement Fund is to showcase our history and our culture, because we are not just selling sun, sand and sea, we have a lot more that makes us special as Jamaicans."

Institute of Jamaica's Executive Director outlines new plans for Jamaican museums

Author: Elaine Hartman Reckord
Title: IOJ Facilitating Greater Appreciation of Museums
Date published: April 22, 2014
Source: Jamaica Information Service
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/ioj-facilitating-greater-appreciation-museums/

Abstract:
Article reports on the measures taken by the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) to enable greater access to the museums showcasing artefacts of Jamaica's heritage. One such measure is the opening of the museum during Saturdays. In the report,  the Executive Director of the IOJ, Anne Marie Bonner, is reported as listing some of the programs and events that will be implemented by the museum to attract more visitors including showing movies and storytelling and puppetry for children. Bonner is also reported as indicating that the museum is targeting not just students but young adults, families and senior citizens. Further information is provided about the Institute and the various museums that it operates across the island. The importance of the museums is also mentioned in the article, as well as plans outlined for refurbishing and repairing a number of museums. Challenges facing some of the museums are also mentioned.

Excerpt:

 “We are looking at setting up date-nights for the young adults. We will be having a series of movies that we will be showing in the afternoons and several activities for the children, including story-telling and puppetry,” she says, adding that other programmes are being developed for children and adults during the summer holidays.

She points out that “museum education” is very important, not only for students. “We are also extending our outreach to young adults, families and senior citizens because we feel it will benefit all Jamaicans and not just young people,” she says.

Jamaica to get a new museum preserving its German Heritage

AUTHOR: Laura Koch, Gleaner Intern
TITLE: New movement in 'German Town'
Date Published: Monday | March 31, 2014 :
SOURCE: Jamaica Gleaner
URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140331/news/news31.html#.Uzp9R4gh-aw.facebook

 Abstract:
The article basically reports on the vision of  a few women of German heritage to transform their home town in Jamaica. The women, Rosalie Vieira, her sister Debbie Burnsed, and their friend Jeanette Lynch, outline their plans to preserve the German heritage of Seaford Town, also known as 'German Town'. Information is also provided about this rural town,  located in the deep rural countryside of Westmoreland, Jamaica. In brief, the article mentions the ambition to fundraise and build a new museum to preserve the German heritage of the town as well as some artifacts.

Excerpt:
 

Lynch said the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) will support the ambitions of the women and finance the building of a new museum.

Currently, a classroom in the primary school serves as the town's museum. It contains artifacts of the German settlers, including bowls and combs and pictures.

"By the end of this year, we should have that new museum", Lynch told

Heritage public library restoration commences in Trinidad and Tobago

Author: Rachael Espinet
Title: Old Public Library to be restored

Date published: Saturday, August 3 2013

Source: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

URL: http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,181677.html

 

Abstract:

This article reports on announcements made at a reception held by the Board of the National Library and Information Systems Authority (NALIS). Lucia Phillip, Executive Director of  NALIS, is reported as giving some historical background and significance to the Knox Street Library. The article provides further information about the historical background of the library, including when it was opened and when it declined due to poor structural building conditions.

 

The article however positively reports on the heritage restoration plans for the building. Jennifer Joseph, Vice-Chair of NALIS Board and the Chair of the Restoration Committee is reported as stating what the new library building after restoration will look like and the types of services that it will provide. Plans for the restored library include making hold collections and artifacts from the country’s leaders and for it to become both a research library and a heritage museum.

The reporter also reports on the donations received by the library from various Prime Ministers and presidents of Trinidad and Tobago,  as well pending donations of  photographs, audiovisual memorabilia, documents relating to speeches and government business and other general artifacts. Information is also given about the architectural style of the building. The architect responsible for the restoration, Rudylyn Roberts, is also named and the work done so far and expected due date of completion is highlighted.

The Education Minister, Dr Tim Gopeesingh, is also reported as affirming the Government's commitment towards allocating the necessary funds for the restoration and refurbishment of the building.

Professor Brinsley Samaroo, historian and a member of the Restoration Committee, is also mentioned as calling for donations of artifacts like letters, spectacles, books, journals, or any item belonging to a leader of Trinidad and Tobago for the library's collection.

  

Excerpt:

The old Trinidad Public Library on Knox Street, Port-of-Spain, will be fully restored and filled with a collection of historical artifacts from past and present presidents and prime ministers.

This was announced yesterday at a reception held by the Board of the National Library and Information Systems Authority (NALIS).

The restored library will hold collections and artifacts from the country’s leaders so that it will become both a state of the art research facility and a heritage museum.

 

Museum to be established in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Author: Leon McPherson and/or Bryan Miller  

Title: Fencing of Montego Bay Civic Centre to Cost $17 Million
Source: Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Regional Office (Montego Bay)
Date published: Sunday, 7 July 2013
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/component/content/article/108-youth-sport-culture/34505-fencing-of-montego-bay-civic-centre-to-cost-17-million

Abstract:
This article reports on comments by both the Mayor of Montego Bay, Glendon Harris, and the Executive Director of the Tourist Enhancement Fund (TEF), Clyde Harrison, mentioning plans to establish a museum in Montego Bay. The site identified for the museum is at the Montego Bay Civic Centre at the historic Sam Sharpe Square. It will be established by the St. James Parish Council in association with the Institute of Jamaica with funding from the Tourist Enhancement Fund.

Excerpt:

According to Mayor of Montego Bay,  Glendon Harris, there is a long term proposal to properly utilize the area reserved for a bistro, and to establish a museum,  that will help to  provide a relaxing atmosphere.

The Mayor said that the work being carried out will allow for better control in and around the facility. 

Executive Director of the TEF, Clyde Harrison, said his organization has plans for more work to be done at the centre. 

“The vision is to establish a museum, in association with the Institute of Jamaica; an arts centre; a bistro and a logo shop,” he explained.

Mobile museum on Marcus Garvey to be launched in Jamaica

Author: Chris Patterson
Title: Special Focus on Marcus Garvey
Date published: Wednesday, 15 August 2012 09:10
Source: Jamaica Information Service (JIS)

URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/leads-117/31538


Abstract:
The article reports about the official plans by the Government of Jamaica to celebrate and commemorate the 125^th anniversary of the birth of the country's first National Hero, the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Part of those activities involve the launch of a mobile museum that will transport information on Garvey to individuals who cannot travel to the museum to do so.The article also mentions a function at the St. Ann’s Bay Parish Library to honour the hero.

Excerpt:

In an interview with JIS News, Director/Curator at Liberty Hall, Donna McFarlane, says with the launch of the mobile museum, individuals residing at various sections of the island will be able to garner information on the Hero.

“There are also some areas in Jamaica where they simply cannot afford to get a bus to come (to the museum) and we’d like to be able to take the museum to them,” she says.

Artifacts being collected for Jamaican Music Museum; museum to open 2011?

Title: Artifacts being gathered for museum of Jamaican music

Source: KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP)/ Jamaica Observer

Date Published: Wednesday, March 10, 2010

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/music-museum_7469448

Abstract:
Article reports on plans to open the new Jamaican music museum in 2011. Yet the date is not official. Information is also given about the proposed scope of collection and some of the artifacts it will collect, preserve and showcase. The political/government agency responsible for the museum is also mentioned.


Excerpt:

Jamaica plans to open a music museum next year that officials say will feature rare pieces from the island's music history, such as the sole album that the late reggae star Bob Marley produced before he gained international fame.

Artifacts will include a cassette tape in which another reggae great, Peter Tosh, jams a blues song with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones....

The museum is requesting donations to help preserve Jamaica's vibrant music history. The island's music preservation took a major hit two years ago when officials discovered that a massive collection of 1970s music, including original recordings by Marley and Tosh, disappeared from the archives of the former Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC).

Lawyer calls for a Jamaican Sports Museum

Author: DANIA BOGLE Observer staff reporter
Title: Franklyn: Time for a J'can Sports Museum
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Thursday, March 18, 2010
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Sports-Museum-_7491857


Abstract:
The article reports on a lecture by attorney-at-law (with speciality in sports law), and former government minister, Delano Franklyn, who calls for the Jamaican Government to set up a Sports Museum. Franklyn in this report provides evidence of calls for the Jamaican Sports Museum in the past by Government officials. A rationale for the sports museum is outlined as well as an opinion about what such a museum could contain and how it could be financed.

Excerpt:

A Jamaican Sports Museum must be established in order to continue nation-building through sports, said attorney-at-law and former government minister Delano Franklyn.

Franklyn made the statement during his presentation Sport in Jamaica: A Local and International Perspective at the annual GraceKennedy Foundation Lecture at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday.

Franklyn's idea of a Sports Museum includes a building where locals and foreigners could view Jamaican sports memorabilia, footage from sporting events, and a seminar room for ongoing discussions on sport.

Barbados opens a Museum Gift shop

Author: (CH)
Title: Museum shop opens
Source: Barbados Nation News
Date published: March 21, 2010.
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/news/business/museum-shop-copy-for-web

Abstract:
The article reports on the opening of a museum gift shop by the Barbados Museum & Historic Society to sell products that reflect Barbadian heritage. Funding behind the gift shop is also mentioned. Also new plans for the museum and its tours are highlighted by the marketing officer Christine Skeete.


Excerpt:

THE Barbados Museum & Historic Society officially threw open the doors of its spanking new gift shop at the Garrison...

"We will be adding more and more products as time goes on. Our intention is to work more closely with some of our artists to development products that will be customised for the museum [and] that will reflect Barbadian heritage and culture in a unique way. We are looking to make it a venue where both locals and visitors would feel they want to come back to get new and interesting products."

Jamaican Music Museum gets new collection; permanent home still forthcoming

Author: BASIL WALTERS Observer staff reporter
Title: Jamaica Journal — first edition on Jamaican music launched
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Sunday, March 07, 2010
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/JAMAICA-JOURNAL

Abstract:
The article reports on the launch of a special Jamaica Journal issued on the subject of Jamaican Music. At this event, the Minister of of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Babsy Grange highlights plans to establish a permanent home for the the museum of Jamaican Music, as well as a digitisation project aimed at digitising the music collection.

The article also reports on the handing over ceremony of a collection belonging to Dermott Hussey, a broadcaster, music historian and collector of Jamaican music for over 50 years, to the museum. Hussey's rationale behind donating the collection to the museum is also reported.

Excerpt:

Stressing that downtown Kingston is the future cultural mecca of Jamaica, Minister Grange announced that a permanent home for the museum of Jamaican music will soon be established there, if everything goes according to plan. She also stated that her ministry has recently received equipment to digitise the entire collection of the music. The minister with responsibility for entertainment said she is determined to have a joint relationship with all the cultural entities that have collections of the music. These include the JBC (Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation) archives, the National Library, the JCDC.

She congratulated Dermott Hussey on making his important collection available to the Music Museum. "This collection of records, films, and documents will be an invaluable part of the museum which is still in its embryonic stages," she declared.

Letter to Newspaper calls for a Rex Nettleford museum at UWI

Author: Patrick A. Gallimore
Title: Rex Nettleford museum for UWI?
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Saturday, February 20, 2010
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100220/letters/letters5.html

Abstract:
This letter to the editor of the Jamaican Gleaner, calls for a museum to honour the late Rex Nettleford. The author gives his justification why a musuem and initiative of this nature is important.

Excerpt:

I THINK it would be a most befitting and beneficial tribute and symbol to the life and works of the late Prof Rex Nettleford if a museum in his honour were established by the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Such a museum could be placed at a suitable location on his beloved campus and become the permanent home and intellectual/cultural showpiece of Prof Nettleford's numerous speeches, interviews, books, photographs, awards, achievements, etc. This museum would serve to symbolically and meaningfully celebrate and showcase the life of one of Jamaica's and the Caribbean's greatest sons and would, in no small measure, help to motivate and instill a deeper sense of pride in persons of all ages and from all walks of life, particularly the youth.

A Call in Trinindad and Tobago for a Museum of Carnival Costumes

Author: Yvonne Webb
Title: South Queen calls for Carnival museum
Source: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian
Date Published: 19 Feb 2010
URL: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2010/02/19/south-queen-calls-carnival-museum


Abstract:
The article reports on an interview with the reigning south Queen of Carnival Rosemarie Kuru-Jagessar. In that interview, Kuru-Jagessar suggests that there is a need for establishing a museum to display Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival costumes entered in the national Carnival costume competition.

Excerpt:

Reigning south Queen of Carnival Rosemarie Kuru-Jagessar is calling for the establishment of a Carnival museum to display costumes that were exhibited in the national competition. Kuru-Jagessar said in an interview yesterday that the majority of people only got a glimpse of these elaborate costumes during their short appearance during the competition stages. She said many of them were eliminated after the preliminary stage and never see the light of day again. Pointing out that a lot of money, time and thought, were invested in these costumes Kuru-Jagessar said it was almost a sin to discard them without people getting an opportunity to appreciate their real beauty and craft.

“I would like to see a Carnival museum where locals and tourists can see costumes, whether they win or not, on display long after Carnival.”

Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's new museum of Jamaican musical instruments

Title: New Look JCDC Unveiled
Source: Jamaica Information Service (JIS): KINGSTON
Date published: Friday, February 19, 2010
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/MYSC/html/20100219T090000-0500_22948_JIS_NEW_LOOK_JCDC_UNVEILED_TODAY.asp

Abstract:
Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has a rebranding ceremony to celebrate its newly refurbished and renovated facilities. This article reports on that ceremony and some of the new changes and rebranding that the agency is experiencing. One such facility of interest that has been mentioned in the article's report is the JCDC's museum of traditional musical instruments and information on Jamaican traditional folk forms.


Excerpt:

In addition to a well appointed staff lounge, the JCDC offices have been refurbished to include a souvenir gift shop, and a museum of musical instruments and information on traditional folk forms.

The impressive Mallalieu's Car museum in Barbados

Author: BARRY ALLEYNE
Title: Mallalieu's hot wheels
Source: Barbados Nation News
Date published on: January 31, 2010
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/car-museum-feature-copy-for-web

Abstract:
The article reports on a vintage car museum in Barbados. The article also entails information about how the museum began, its collection, the curator, and the types of visitors that are attracted to the museum.

Excerpt:

WHEN BILL MALLALIEU was a little boy, he loved playing with little toy cars.

Now that he's a big man, Mallalieu plays with big toy cars.

The result of his love affair with wheels, engines and motoring history is Barbados' lone old car museum.

But in fact, the Mallalieu Auto Collection is more than a place where locals, visitors, even primary school children can take a peek at some of the greatest vehicles ever assembled on the planet.

In the 40-foot car room at the collection's Pavilion Court, Hastings, Christ Church site there is also a sense of history that could blow even non-car-lovers away.

New Cricket Museum now open in Trinidad and Tobago

Author: Nicholas Clarke
Title: New cricket museum opens at Oval
Source: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian
Date Published: 20 Jan 2010
URL:http://guardian.co.tt/news/cricket/2010/01/20/new-cricket-museum-opens-oval

Abstract:
The article reports on the new Cricket Heritage Museum opened to the public in Trinidad and Tobago. Its mission and the persons/organisations responsible for its maintenance, funding and management are mentioned. Rates and fees for the museum, as well as the scope of its collection are highlighted in the article.

Excerpt:

"The Queen’s Park Oval’s Cricket Heritage Museum was opened to the public at the Brian Lara Pavilion on Tragarete Road, Port-of-Spain recently. It had been officially launched on November 25th.

The museum is a collaborative effort between the Queen’s Park Cricket Club and the Ministry of Tourism, which pledged $300,000 towards the project. It showcases the history of cricket in T&T and in the West Indies from the early 20th century, with special attention to the events that took place at the Queen’s Park Oval."

Trinidad and Tobago's National Museum to be relocated

Author: Lara Pickford-Gordon
Title: National Museum moves to Knowsley
Source: Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday
Date Published: Saturday, January 30 2010
URL: http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,115008.html

Abstract:
The article reports on the plans to relocate the National Museum of Trinidad and Tobago to a refurbished historical building. The rationale behind the relocation is also mentioned.

Excerpt:

“the rationale is to have all the cultural centres located together in the same vicinity so you have the National Academy for Performing Arts. Then you’ll have the museum, and then the administrative buildings related to culture and the National Cultural Centre which is also planned.”

...the move to the new space will be an impetus for the museum which has been in the same location for several years...the relocation to Knowsley will bring new life to the museum.

Jamaica Music Museum Update: Controversial but contemporary collection

Author: Mel Cooke
Title: Non-exclusionary approach taken to museum, Dermott Hussey donates entire collection
Date Published: Sunday | January 17, 2010

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100117/ent/ent7.html


Abstract:

The article reports on some of the comments made by the curator, and Jamaica Music Museum director, Herbie Miller during a tour of the Jamaica Music Museum exhibition. Miller shares in this article's report the mission of the museum and how controversial some of its collections and items are. The article reports on some of the items that were donated to the music museum and its donors. It also documents some of the comments and reactions made by visitors to the museum.


Excerpt:

The last and latest Jamaican music genre in the mini-exhibition on Jamaican music is dancehall. It is written that "perhaps the most controversial and polarising genre of Jamaican music, dancehall, currently dominates the island's musical landscape".

While walking through with The Sunday Gleaner, Jamaica Music Museum director Herbie Miller said, "that's why a museum is so important. We are not just looking at the past. We are looking at the present and the future." At this dancehall stop, he points out to The Sunday Gleaner that many people did not like ska, which is now considered classic. Similarly, many people did not like reggae, which is now called the golden age of Jamaican music.

"Our duty as a museum is to collect it all, whether we like it or not. Let future scholars look at it and figure out what it means. Who knows? The world may develop in a way that what is seen as negative now will be seen as positive," Miller said, singing a few lines from Cole Porter's Anything Goes.

CHASE spends $21.5 million upgrading Jamaican libraries & archives

Author: KARYL WALKER Crime/Court Desk co-ordinator walkerk AT jamaicaobserver.com
Title: CHASE spends $21.5 million upgrading libraries, archives
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2009

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/160696_CHASE-spends--21-5-million-upgrading-libraries--archives

Abstract:
This article reports on a number initiatives funded by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund. The funds disbursed for 2009 amounted to $21.5 million for projects such as the upgrading of some 11 libraries and archives. Special mention is made of a project to digitise the historical of the former prime minister Edward Seaga. A brief report is also made of the digitization of some of the audio visual tapes of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation. Future plans to fund a project of digitization at the Institute of Jamaica is also mentioned.


Excerpt:

Digitisation of the historical records of former prime minister Edward Seaga.

Heaven said the fund was working on digitalising the records of not only Seaga, but would bring the entire library and archive system into the modern era.

He said the former state-owned Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation has recorded on outdated audio visual tapes important historical events which needed to be modernised in order to preserve the nation's history for generations to come.

"We are currently at the Institute of Jamaica updating their archives to make it current. You will also be able to see Mr Seaga's first budget presentation which was on a yellow sheet of paper. These will be accessible to not just the university but the entire population," Heaven said.

Plans for parish museum in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica

Author: MARK CUMMINGS, Observer West senior reporter, cummingsm AT jamaicaobserver.com
Title: Black River Mayor raps sluggish local government reform
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date: Thursday, January 07, 2010
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/westernnews/Palmer-disappointed-7-01-10--PROOFED---3-_7294601

Abstract:
In this article, the Mayor of Black River, Jeremy Palmer, expresses disappointment with regards to how long the local government reform process is taking to effect planned programmes. His plans for Black River are outlined. One such plan includes the establishment of a local parish museum to feature the local history and culture of the parish. Plans for the funding of this initiative have been identified.

Excerpt:

Palmer said the council is working assiduously to establish a museum in the town of Black River next year.

" What we want to do is to set up a history museum which will have much of the culture and all of those things that are pertinent to the parish," he explained. "We have already identified a building and we have done a project document which has been submitted to TPDCo (Tourism Product Development Company) who are working with us to establish it," he added.

Jamaica Music Museum update

Author: Mel Cooke
Title:Jamaica Music Museum - a sample of what can be
Date Published: Sunday, January 17, 2010
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100117/ent/ent1.html

Abstract
Article reports on the state of the Jamaica Music Museum. Its mission is described. According to its main curator, the museum will contain sections that will chronicle the technological changes in instrument construction and music production and the changes in Jamaican music genres (thereby containing information on Jamaica's social history, technology and specifically about music history.


Excerpt

Herbie Miller stands near the middle of Jamaica's musical chronology in words, images and artefacts along the side of a partition at the Institute of Jamaica, downtown Kingston, and said "I like to call this our 22 yards of Jamaican music history."

That distance is, of course, the length of a cricket pitch, and the sport has its own rhythm. But the director of the Jamaica Music Museum is referring to another kind of rhythm, the music that is woven into the tapestry of Jamaican life.