More specifically, the Historic Programmes are about balancing Cayman's sense of place and authenticity within the frame work of modern construction so that it isn't sacrificed for a feeling of sameness and so that our fragile culture is not entirely absorbed by another more dominant and foreign culture.

 

The National Trust's Historic Programme contributes to government efforts and supports these 3 Ministries: the Department of Tourism, Education Department and Ministry of Culture. Please refer to the Historic Programme Contributions to Government  to witness all that the Trust does to support the efforts of government.

 

Essentially the Trust has adopted five programmes to promote awareness and appreciation of Cayman's built heritage:

 

The Historic Preservation Awards Programme

The Historic Preservation Awards Programme identifies local structures that have been well-preserved, and/or restored, and modern structures built using principles of historic design. These structures are presented with awards of distinction.

 

The Historic Properties Acquisition Programme

The Historic Properties Acquisition Programme involves legally protecting places of particular historic significance from further deterioration and/or demolition, through outright ownership and management. Following are the historic sites that are owned and managed by the Trust:

Watler Cemetery, East End Lighthouse Park, Fort George, Mission House, Jackson's Wall, Old Savannah School House, Miss Izzy's School House, Bodden Town Guardhouse Park.

 

The Historic Plaque Programme

The Historic Plaque Programme seeks to identify buildings of historic interest with a metal plaque award.

 

The Historic Building and Sites Inventory Programme

The Historic Building and Sites Inventory Programme is an extensive repository of Cayman's built heritage that identifies, documents and lists historic structures built prior to 1950. For examples: Miss Hilary Thompson's House, Storm of '32 Mass Grave Sites, Traditional Architecture.

 

The Historic Education Programme

The Historic Education Programme seeks to encourage understanding and participation for historic preservation of people of all ages.

While the Trust has, and will continue to take initiatives to ensure that our built heritage survives the assault of rapid uncontrolled growth, we cannot succeed in our mission on our own. Therefore, by way of our Historic Programmes, we seek to inform that the responsibility for preserving Cayman's built heritage rests upon the shoulders of all local residents and not solely on the National Trust. More specifically, the Historic Programmes aim to encourage interest, initiative and advocacy for the protection of our built heritage so that residents will gain an appreciation of, and an understanding for, the lasting benefits of historic preservation.