Heritage Trust Mounts Exhibit in May Pen

The National Heritage Trust, as part of activities to mark its 50th anniversary, has mounted a heritage display at the Clarendon Parish Library in May Pen.
The exhibit, which opened on November 6 and closes on November 27, is to give residents of the parish an insight into their rich cultural heritage. Artefacts on display, dating back to the period of the Tainos, show how common tools and utensils have evolved over the years. There is also a listing of various heritage sites in the parish, and interesting facts surrounding the origin of these.
Director of Communications at the National Heritage Trust, Coleen Douglas, explained that over the years, archaeological digs have taken place across the island, which have unearthed several artefacts, about which the ordinary Jamaican had very little knowledge. As such, the Trust has been going into the parishes with various exhibits, to not only make people aware of the history associated with their parish, but to engender the sort of curiosity that will make them constantly yearn to discover more.
She told JIS News that the Jamaica Library Service was chosen as a partner in the process, as they cater to a wide cross-section of persons, including students and adults.
Chebis Roberts and Romaine James of Central High School in May Pen, expressed their satisfaction with this latest initiative of the Heritage Trust, saying it was both interesting and entertaining to find out more about their heritage, and how and what their ancestors ate, and how they earned a living, generally.
Several persons, who viewed the exhibits, have asked that the information on heritage sites and persons of historical significance, be appropriately captured and displayed, so there might be easy access long after the period of anniversary celebrations had passed. Ms. Douglas indicated that the necessary discussions would take place at the level of the National Heritage Trust, to determine how best the public can be accommodated in this regard.
The National Heritage Exhibition was launched on October 1 in Kingston, to coincide with the National Heritage celebrations. After two weeks, it was moved to the parish of St. Catherine where the public was allowed to view it until November 4. When the exhibition closes in Clarendon, an open house will be held at the Trust’s Head Office at Duke Street in Kingston, where members of the public will be able to see all the artefacts previously displayed in the other parishes. Parish exhibitions will resume at the beginning of the new school year.
The Jamaica National Heritage Trust has a mandate to protect and preserve the nation’s cultural legacy.