A seafarers’ registry for the Cayman Islands is set to be launched at a special event at the George Town Public Library’s Historical Room on 25 June.
The innovative online portal will be dedicated to preserving the stories and memorabilia of seafarers and their families.
The event, which begins at 5:30pm, will feature digital displays, cultural performances and curated exhibitions.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to explore the online seafarers’ registry, verify or correct existing information and contribute their own maritime histories.
The submissions will become part of a living digital archive, enriching the historical record with first-hand accounts from the community.
Nasaria Chollette, Celebrate Cayman’s special projects officer, said: “A highlight of the launch will be the unveiling of the seafarers’ quilt, commissioned by Celebrate Cayman and created by the Friends and Needles group.
“Each square tells the story of a seaman or reflects seafaring traditions and experiences, making it a significant draw for attendees.”
There will also be a prominent exhibition showcasing artefacts and documents significant to Cayman’s maritime heritage at the launch.
Additionally, a mini-exhibition will display family artefacts and documents related to seafaring history, with items scanned, registered and exhibited.
The occasion will coincide with International Day of the Seafarer, which recognises the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, world economy and civil society as a whole.
The Historic Room will remain open until 4 July from 10am to 3pm.
Following the Grand Cayman event, the seafarers’ registry will extend to Cayman Brac from 10 to 13 July at the Veterans and Seamen’s Association Hall.
This will feature similar exhibitions.
Celebrate Cayman has also extended an invitation to the public to attend lunch-time lectures.
They will take place to further enrich the community’s experience and understanding of Cayman’s seafaring past. Locations and times for the lectures will be widely promoted.
Alfonso Wright, Celebrate Cayman’s executive chair, said: “Join us in celebrating our maritime heritage and ensuring that the stories of our seafarers are preserved for future generations.
“Together, we can honour the legacy of those who bravely navigated the seas and contributed to our culture, laid the foundation for the development of our three islands, as well as the women who stayed at home and helped shape our beloved isles.”
More information about the Seafarers Registry and the launch events is available by contacting celebratecayman@gov.ky
