Library Services Celebrates Grand Opening of the Historical and Cultural Division at Victoria Public Library  

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 20 May 2025: The Department of Library Services is proud to announce the grand opening of the Historical and Cultural Division at the Victoria Public Library, located on Front Street, Grand Turk. This milestone was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Honourable Members of Parliament, government officials, community members, and supporters from across the island.

The newly launched division serves as a dedicated space for preserving and celebrating the rich history and cultural heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Although the current collection is modest due to the unfortunate loss of materials in a past fire, the creation of this division signals a renewed and intentional commitment to safeguarding the nation’s legacy for future generations.

“We are excited to open this important resource to the public,” said Kecha Chase, Director of Technical Services within the Department of Library Services. “This is just the beginning! We encourage residents and visitors to explore our collection and contribute to this living archive by donating documents, photographs, or other culturally significant materials.”

The Historical and Cultural indoor space is a research-only facility. Materials within this section are for on-site consultation only and are not available for loan, ensuring their long-term preservation and accessibility for academic and community research. Additionally, following consultations with the residents of Grand Turk, the outdoor space will be made available for event rentals in accordance with a structured rental agreement.

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture with responsibility for Library Services, praised the initiative, stating:

“This new division is more than a physical space, it is a promise to honour and preserve the stories, struggles, and triumphs that define who we are as a people. It reflects our commitment to cultural preservation, national pride, and education. We congratulate the schools for sharing their students’ projects for display and extend special thanks to the residents of Grand Turk, particularly Mrs. Wealthy Hall, for her generous contribution of artifacts. I commend the Department of Library Services for their dedication to ensuring that our heritage remains accessible and protected for future generations.”

The Department of Library Services encourages the public to support this important national effort by donating historical items such as letters, photographs, publications, and artifacts. All contributions will be respectfully archived and made available for public education and research.