Cayman Brac Museum celebrates Four Decades

By Chevala Burke, Marketing and Promotions Manager, Department of District Administration

On Saturday, 13 January 2024, the Cayman Brac Museum celebrated its 40th Anniversary with the opening of a new exhibit to commemorate its four-decade journey of “Keeping in Touch with The Past”.  The new exhibit is titled “Son of the Soil and Man of Diverse Nature” and celebrates the late, Captain Keith Parker Tibbetts Sr. MBE. The commemorative event was attended by a host of supporters, Government officials and Parliament members, notably, the Premier and Minister responsible for District Administration, Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Minister for Heritage, Hon. Isaac Rankine and Member for Cayman Brac West & Little Cayman, Hon. Moses Kirkconnell.

The Premier expressed gratitude while delivering a challenge to those in attendance, “I encourage each and every one of you to embrace the profound legacy left behind by our esteemed forefathers, exemplified magnificently by the late and distinguished Captain Keith Parker Tibbetts Sr. MBE. His mentorship, coupled with the invaluable insights into weather patterns, local wisdom, and navigational experiences sought from him, has undeniably contributed to the enduring prosperity of the Cayman Islands. Let us collectively acknowledge and cherish these contributions, recognizing them as a timeless beacon that continues to guide and inspire us.”

The role of Master of Ceremonies was expertly fulfilled by District Commissioner of the Department of District Administration, B.L. Mark Tibbetts, who expressed his pleasure with the attendance and support for the momentous occasion. In reflection of the event, Mr. Tibbetts explained, “On December 3, 1983, the Cayman Brac Museum was established as a testament to the visionary leadership of our esteemed fellow ‘bracker,’ Mr. Linton Tibbetts OBE. This momentous occasion not only commemorates a historic institution in Cayman Brac as the oldest museum in the Cayman Islands, but also spans generations, evoking a deep sense of pride within us. The overwhelming support extended by all for this event is heartening. I earnestly urge both Caymanian residents and visitors to take the time to explore the Cayman Brac Museum. Immerse yourselves in the rich tapestry of heritage, history, and culture that holds significance and relevance for all.”

The immediate family of the late Capt. Keith Tibbetts Sr. MBE JP were also in attendance for the inaugural viewing of the exhibit. As his surviving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren explored the display, they expressed elation for the honour bestowed. The family artifacts showcase spanned Captain Keith’s illustrious career in shipbuilding, entrepreneurship, and politics, among other endeavors, all on temporary loan to the museum.

Following their visit, Captain Keith’s children shared heartfelt sentiments, “We were elated to see the display highlighting our father. We thoroughly enjoyed all of the exhibit. It made us very proud to see some of Daddy’s major life events and contributions recognized in this way. The exhibit was a welcomed step-back in time. Our hearts were touched and our eyes watery. Some of the items took us back to his days in his office at TibMart and the family home at The Bight on the Brac. To be able to share that with his grand and great-grandkids was priceless. We’d like to thank those involved in producing the exhibit, “ expressed Ian Tibbetts Snr. on behalf of his family.

The celebration continued with attendees enjoying activities such as local foods and crafts from various vendors, lively music from JR Douglas Band and the Cayman Brac Kitchen Band, storytelling by community elders, moderated by Community Development Officer Julianne Scott, and demonstrations of traditional games by Mrs. Annie Rose Scott and Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bryan. Local artists also utilized the venue to conduct classes and capture the essence of the memorable day.

Photos with captions attached.

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