The National Museum of Turks and Caicos Islands

The National Museum of the Turks & Caicos Islands is located in one of the oldest stone buildings on Grand Turk, Guinep House. The museum chronicles the life of the country from slavery to the decamped British loyalists from the American Revolution. Documents and artifacts from the islands’ plantations provide an evocative glimpse of the history of the islands. Visitors can also enjoy the exhibition on the Molasses Reef wreck, the oldest European shipwreck to be discovered in the Western Hemisphere.

The museum is also home to the only dedicated Lucavan galley. The Lucavans were the original inhabitants of the islands from about 700 AD till early 1500s. The gallery features a 1,000 year old Lucavan paddle, the only known Lucavan wooden artifact found.

The museum also has a natural history wing that displays recent events like the royal visits and Grand Turk’s involvement in the Space Race. A new Space Gallery was opened in 2002 and highlights Grand Turk’s involvement in the Space age. Photos, a starry night sky, space toys and personal recollections from John and Scott Carpenter’s splashdown just off the shores complete the exhibition.

Located next to the National Museum is the Museum Arboretum. This permanent exhibition features samples of indigenous and imported plants and trees such as Sea Island, Cotton, Sisal, Aloe Vera, Buttonwood and Se.