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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.
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