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Cultural Excursions

National Trust
Along with its eco-tourism activities, the National Trust is charged with preserving the natural, historic, and maritime history of Cayman through preservation of areas, sites, buildings, structures, and objects of historic or cultural significance. One of the first projects undertaken by the Trust was the conservation of the remains of an original wall of Fort George in downtown George Town (see Adventures, George Town, page 104). Other projects have included the Old Savannah Schoolhouse, a typical 1940’s one-room Government schoolhouse, the Guard House Park, which recalls the history of Bodden Town, Cayman’s first capital, and the East End Lighthouse Park.

The trust has gone on to create walking tour brochures for its most historic districts: West Bay, George Town, and Bodden Town. These brochures (available for $1 from the museum, National Trust, and visitors information booth) introduce visitors to Caymanian architecture and are a wonderful way to learn more about the history that makes these islands special.

The National Trust has also played a major role in the preservation of the Pedro St. James Castle, the oldest structure in the Cayman Islands. For more on this project, check out the East of George Town section, page 132.

But it’s not just the most important historic structures that have drawn the attention of this group; everyday homes and buildings also earn its respect. The National Trust has an ongoing Historic Buildings and Sites Inventory, a computerized reference list of places of historic and architectural interest built before 1950.

To encourage the public to recognize the value of these historic buildings, the trust has a historic plaque program. Also, it honors private citizens who have made a commitment to maintain, rehabilitate or restore historic buildings and sites with an annual “Award of Distinction for the Preservation of Historic Places.”

Guided Tours
Both the history and natural history of the area can be learned aboard a Silver Thatch Excursion (%/fax 345-945-6588). These tours are operated by Geddes Hislop, former Public Education Manager Officer for the National Trust, and his wife, Janet. Hislop worked on the interpretive development of two of the island’s top environmental attractions: the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the Mastic Trail. Six different tours are available, including The Eastern Experience (historic sites from Old Prospect to the Ten Sails Monument in East End); Walk the Mastic Trail; Botanic Park Adventures (two options, including the Historic Route and the Environmental Route); A Walk Back In History (historic walking tour of West Bay, central George Town, visit to Old Prospect, Watler’s Cemetery and Old Savannah Schoolhouse); and Birdwatching Excursions to one or more natural wildlife habitats (Governor Michael Gore Bird Sanctuary, Meagre Bay Pond, Botanic Park and Malportas Farm).

Hotel pickup and return, drink, and a snack (sandwich and traditional Caymanian pastries) are included. For information write P.O. Box 344WB, Grand Cayman, fax (345)945-6588.