Jamaica

Home | Collections

Cadastral Map Collection

ABSTRACT


The Cadastral Map Collection contains approximately 20,000 maps and plans, situated in Special Collections and are essential for researchers wishing to study the history of settlement, land tenure, land-use and regional settlement patterns in Jamaica. The collection contains maps of Jamaica, both of rural and urban settlements and plans which portray the internal layout of large agricultural units. The persons who drew these maps and plans were surveyors and as such persons wishing to study the development and history of colonial surveying and map and plan-making will likewise find the Cadastral Map Collection invaluable. Estate plans for example, were drawn for a number of reasons, including accompaniments of patents, deeds, wills, boundary disputes, settlement and debtor hearings, sale and land transfer. Maps often contain the layout of the estates, showing land usage, rivers, mountains and number of settlements. It is noteworthy to observe that maps earlier maps of Jamaica illustrated coastal settlements and the internal parts of the island were either poorly labelled or ignored. Later maps however, noted inland settlements, as well as internal rivers, mountains etc and furthermore were fairly accurate as to labeling.

PART A – ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

IDENTITY AND LOCATION

Name of Documentary Heritage: The Cadastral Map Collection 
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: West Indies 
Address: The National Library, 12 East Street, Kingston 

LEGAL INFORMATION

Owner (Name and contact details): 
The National Library of Jamaica 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public 

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the Cadastral Map Collection lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library of Jamaica. 

Accessibility: The Cadastral Map Collection is available to members of the public for consultation, in particular, researchers and academics. 

Copyright Status: Due to the age of the documents (some over 300 years old), the collection is in the public domain. 

Responsible Administration: The Cadastral Map Collection is located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library of Jamaica and responsible administration for the collection lies with the Executive Director of the National Library. 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory: 
The Cadastral Map Collection contains approximately 20,000 items, most of which are in manuscript. While some of the maps illustrate the overall layout of Jamaica, most are plantation maps and plans. The maps and plans depict landholdings, both rural and urban. There are some that go further to note the internal structure of pens, plantations and estates. Of maps and plans depicting the internal layout of agricultural holdings, the collection has approximately 1000. Oftentimes, in the case of sugar estates, the plans and maps note the acreage under canes, the sugar works, the accommodation of the enslaved, their provision grounds and the great house. Maps and plans of coffee estates and pens are much the same; the former may lack the works and the latter may have acreage in grass and enclosed areas for cattle. The remainder of the estate maps and plans show the boundaries of each property. Some of the maps are in black and white, others are coloured in with ink or water colour paints and are quite appealing to look at. Most maps give the name of the estate, the owner, the acreage, the scale used and not infrequently, the reason for the map being drawn. Likewise, main divisions and sites on the maps are labelled in the map itself or in a small table below the drawing. 

Bibliographic details: 
The Cadastral Map Collection is arranged geographically by parish and stored in folders in metal map cabinets. Most of the maps have been catalogued and almost half of them are available on a computerised database. In addition, most of the maps are recorded in the card catalogue in the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. 

Visual Documentation: 
Photographs exist of many of the maps as they have been used as illustrations in several books particularly Barry Higman’s Jamaica Surveyed: Plantation Maps and Plans of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries. Higman’s work however focuses on estate plans and maps that possess their internal layout. A portion of the collection was microfilmed and placed on aperture cards. 

HISTORY

The Cadastral Map Collection contain maps and plans that were prepared by private surveyors and Prof. Barry Higman notes that Jamaican surveyors not infrequently bought up the papers of their fellow practioners and bequeathed ancient collections to their heirs. Between 1876 and 1891 they seem to have been collected by Thomas Harrison, the Surveyor General who made use of them in producing the cadastral maps of the parishes of Jamaica. In the 1940s, the collection was handed over to the Institute of Jamaica and placed in the West India Reference Library. The collection of this library became the property of the National Library when it was established in 1979.

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic: 
While the Cadastral Map Collection can be accessed via card catalogue, work is ongoing on listing the collection and placing the information on a database. Online access is provided to this database on site at the National Library. 

Preservation Plan: 
The Cadastral Map Collection is overall fairly well preserved, though there are some that have been torn where they were folded or have decayed along the edges. Many have undergone restorative work. All items have been placed in acid free folders and routine preservation has been done of all of them. Detailed conservation work is being done on fragile and important items. Plans are in place for digitization of these maps as soon as resources are available. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
The Cadastral Map Collection is an invaluable source of information for researchers studying the history of land tenure and usage and settlement in Jamaica. Likewise, it gives some information for persons wishing to study early surveying techniques and landscape history. The collection contains maps and plans of some of the largest estates owned by wealthy and powerful families. These families, forming the influential West India Interest lobby group, wielded tremendous control of the British society. An investigation into the source of their strength and power, that is their Jamaican estates, would not be unnecessary. 

Time
The earliest maps and plans in this collection were done in the seventeenth century and continued into the latter half of the nineteenth century. As such, persons are able to trace land tenure and usage over time. Several plans are at times given for the same estate over the course of time and as such persons are able to investigate the transfer of land and use over time. In addition, for persons wishing to study the evolution of the Jamaican landscape in early Jamaica, the Cadastral Map Collection is invaluable. 

Place
The Cadastral Map Collection came into being in Jamaica. However, persons wishing to do a comparative evaluation of the evolution of settlements and land usage over time of the Caribbean and by extension the southern states of North America will find the collection useful. Though the Collection is unique to Jamaica, there are some maps that are of other Caribbean territories. Often these were maps of the colonies, rather than estate plans. 

People
The persons who owned the early estates, plantations and pens were in the main Europeans. However, a minority of pens and coffee estates were owned by free blacks and coloured. The study of the Cadastral Map Collection is therefore the study of these early landowners. After the abolition of slavery in 1838, one can observe on the drawing of some estate plans and maps, portions of estates sold to black small settlers. As a result, the Collection is useful for persons wishing to study the evolution of ownership over time. 

Subject/Theme
The Cadastral Map Collection is useful for persons wishing to study the spatial distribution of settlements, settlement patterns, land ownership, land tenure and usage, history of surveying, and map making. 

Form/Style
Persons wishing to study the surveying techniques, the material used and the format of early maps and plans of former surveyors will find the Cadastral Map Collection a treasure. 

Social Value
The Cadastral Map Collection is a valuable primary source of Jamaica’s social and economic history. The impact of land tenure and usage on the environment is easily detected in the collection. From some of the maps of Jamaica, demographic details can be extricated, including demographic patterns of settlement and numbers. 

Integrity
The Cadastral Map Collection is fairly complete, having been collected by Thomas Harrison, the Surveyor General of Jamaica. However, there are some maps that are in a state of decay, oftentimes resulting from age, having been folded in the middle, and eaten away at the edges. Though the National Library has worked to preserve the Collection, lack of funds are responsible for its piecemeal efforts. In addition, funds are also necessary for the wholesale digitisation of the collection. 

Rarity
Higman in Jamaica Surveyed writes of the Cadastral Map Collection “it is worth emphasising that the number of known plans depicting the internal layout of plantations for the island is far greater than that for any other territory of the Caribbean”. Though Jamaica was colonised by the British later than the Leeward Islands, it is the only former colony that boasts such a large collection of maps. As such, the collection is extremely unique to Jamaica and since the maps and plans of other Caribbean territories have not survived in such vast numbers, one can argue that for persons to do a detailed study of land settlements, etc, the Jamaican Cadastral Map Collection would have to be utilised as a microcosm of a wider, regional settlement and land tenure/usage pattern. 

NOMINATOR

The National Library of Jamaica

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Though for the most part the Cadastral Map Collection is in good order, there are more than a few that are suffering the risk of decay. The use of acid free folders has reduced the effects. However, due to previous folding of the maps, some tend to rend at the location of the fold while others wear away at the edges. Funds are needed to do a wholesale preservation of the maps and plans and to digitise the collection. 

Top

THE DAWKINS COLLECTION

Owner (Name and contact details):
The National Library of Jamaica 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public 

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the Dawkins Collections lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library of Jamaica. 

Accessibility: The Dawkins Collection is available to members of the public for consultation, in particular, researchers and academics.

Copyright Status: There are no copyright restrictions. 

Responsible Administration: The Dawkins Collections is located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library of Jamaica. 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory: 
There are 15 volumes in The Dawkins Collection and it is comprised of copy title deeds, plans and accounts of the Dawkins family estates, principally in the parishes of Vere, Clarendon and St. Catherine. In addition to recording all conveyances and patents for land granted to the Dawkins family or acquired by them, the collection contains transcripts of wills and powers of attorneys of many prominent landowners of Jamaica. The latter were included where they relate to the land acquired by the Dawkins family. Platts are included and for each deed, the date of enrolment, liber and folio number are given. Lists of enslaved persons form part of the collection. The list includes the number of mulattoes and quadroons on the estates of Henry Dawkins. 

Bibliographic details:
The Collection is recorded within the card catalogue under two headings- The Dawkins Family, MS181 and Dawkins and Long’s Account Books, MS181A. The former contains thirteen volumes containing copy books of title deeds for the Dawkins Family. The latter consists of two volumes which contain accounts current of the Dawkins with Drake and Long; Longs, Drake and Long; Longs and Dawkins; and Beeston Long successively, all of London, spanning June 1749-June 1812. 

HISTORY

The Dawkins Collection forms part of the history of the economic activities of the Dawkins family in Jamaica, spanning the early days of the Jamaica’s settlement till the early nineteenth century. The collection was meant to be a permanent record of the holdings of the family’s Jamaican lands. The Collection was purchased by the Sugar Manufacturers Association of Jamaica Ltd. and deposited in 1941 in the West India Reference Library , forerunner of the National Library of Jamaica.

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic: 
The Dawkins Collection has Manuscript catalogue entries 

Preservation Plan: 
The Special Collections and Conservation Dept. provide patrons with gloves when handling the Dawkins Collection, which is in a rather fragile state, resulting from age decay, though the use of acid free folders have slowed down this decay. In addition, the digitisation of the material has started. However, due to the lack of funds, the National Library has been unable to hire the required personnel to undertake this task on a full time basis and as such remaining staff can only gradually digitise bits of the collection. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
The Dawkins Collection is representative of the biggest plantation owners of Jamaica. As it consists of title deeds, plans, plats, and accounts, the documents are important in tracing the development of huge land holdings from the earliest times of Jamaica’s settlement to the nineteenth century. As such, in the study of wealth creation and development of the Jamaican and by extension Caribbean sugar production, the Dawkins Collection is invaluable. 

Time
The Dawkins Collection starts at the early stage of the settlement of Jamaica in the seventeenth century. Little documentary evidence has survived this period and as such the Dawkins Collection is important in piecing together the life of Jamaica’s earliest settlers. 

Place
The documents of the Dawkins Collection originated in Jamaica. The deeds span different parishes across the island, including Clarendon and St. Catherine. This spatial distribution is important to tracing the nature of landownership in Jamaica and the movement of the planters from one parish to another in the development and formation of their estates. 

People
The Dawkins Collection was generated from one of the major white plantation owning families of Jamaica and some of the wills and powers of attorneys included are important in tracing the lives of these early colonist. Persons interested in the lives and economic activities of members of the white oligarchy will want to take a look at these documents. In addition, the list of enslaved persons will also aid in writing the history of persons who formed the backbone of the wealth of the Dawkins family. 

Subject/Theme
The Dawkins Collection is important in the study of the economic development of Jamaica and for comparative purposes, of the Caribbean as well. 

Form/Style
The copy title deeds, plats, plans and accounts are of interest to palaeographers, particularly the fact that each document followed a format dictated by the times. As such the Dawkins Collection is indicative of the writing style and document format of the times. 

Social Value
The Dawkins family were members of the upper strata of Jamaican society during the period of the enslavement of African peoples. As a result, not only were they landowners, but they were also owners of enslaved Africans. The use of the Dawkins Collection will aid in the study of the transfer of land and plantations over time their heirs and assigns. The Dawkins owned pens and sugar plantations and their documentary evidence would make useful study for the relationship between pens and estates, and the relative survival rate on each. 

Integrity
The Collection is fairly complete. However, due to a lack of funds to adequately preserve and digitise the Dawkins Collection, many of the documents are in a state of decay. 

Rarity
The Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, possesses a collection of the original deeds and papers relating to the Dawkins family’s Jamaican plantations. Nevertheless, many of the originals have been recorded in volumes now at the National Library and are the only ones available for use in the Caribbean region. 

CONSULTATION

The Executive Director
The National Library
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

NOMINATOR

Dr. James C. Robertson
Department of History and Archaeology
University of the West Indies, Mona
Jamaica

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Despite the noteworthy efforts of the National Library to secure resources to preserve the collection and the use of gloves by patrons, many of the documents bound in the volumes that make up the Dawkins Collection are in a state of decay. In a few years, without adequate funds to secure the digitisation of the material, persons from the Caribbean will have to go to England to look at the originals stored at the Bodleian Library. The Dawkins Collection is truly unique, starting from the earliest part of Jamaica’s history to the nineteenth century. 

Top

The Eighteenth Century Newspaper Collection

Name of Documentary Heritage: The Eighteenth Century Newspaper Collection 
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: The Caribbean 
Address: The National Library of Jamaica, 12 East Street, Kingston 

LEGAL INFORMATION

Owner (Name and contact details): The National Library of Jamaica 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public 

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the Eighteenth Century Newspaper Collection lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library of Jamaica where it forms part of the Manuscript Collection. 

Accessibility: The Eighteenth Century Newspaper Collection is available to members of the public for consultation on microfilm. 

Copyright Status: Due to the age of the newspapers, the collection is not covered by copyright. However, since most of the Eighteenth Century Newspapers were recently microfilmed, copyright for the reproduction of such microfilm images lies with those who microfilmed it. Take for example, The Weekly Jamaica Courant, there is a notice that “Copyright photograph-not to be reproduced photographically without permission of the Public Record Office, London.” 

Responsible Administration: The Eighteenth Century Newspaper Collection is located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library and responsible administration for the collection lies with the Executive Director of the National Library. 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory:  
Copies of eighteenth century newspapers exist as either hard copies or microfilm, with the latter being by far the most prominent. The Eighteenth Century Newspaper Collection includes: 

1. The Weekly Jamaica Courant

2. The Jamaica Gazette

3. The St. Jago Intelligencer

4. Cornwall Chronicle and Jamaica General Advertiser

5. The Jamaica Mercury and Kingston Weekly Advertiser

6. The Royal Gazette

7. The St. Jago De La Vega Gazette 

8. The Diary and Kingston Daily Advertiser

Eighteenth Century newspapers contained mainly news of England, the London prices of sugar, rum and coffee, ad verbatim proceedings of the English Parliament and announcements of the arrival and departures of ships. Most newspapers contain main stories on England, advertisements that varied in nature, excerpts of books and newspapers from the European continent and notices regarding the death and claims against the estate of deceased persons. All in all, the newspapers from the eighteenth century existed to serve the purpose of the white Jamaican plantocracy.

Bibliographic details:  
The Eighteenth Century Newspaper Collection is located at the National Library’s Special Collection and Conservation Dept. where there are several detailed catalogues. These catalogues give the dates of the newspapers, the extent of the collection in terms of certain years and whether or not a specific newspaper is on microfilm or bound or photocopied. 

Visual Documentation: 
Most of the Eighteenth Century newspapers are on microfilm. 

HISTORY

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic:  
There are detailed catalogues and attempts are being made to place the bibliographic details of the newspapers on a database that will be placed online. 

Preservation Plan:  
The Eighteenth Century Newspaper Collection has been preserved by the National Library on microfilm. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
Eighteenth Century Newspapers have been used time and again by historians and other academics to piece together the society, economy and politics of Jamaica in the eighteenth century. Newspapers are very good sources of information such as the prices of sugar, foreign relations, public opinion, the regularity of ships, the prices of enslaved Africans, the sale of property and advertisements for the capture of slaves. The newspapers form the primary sources of information for researchers/students of 18th century Jamaica. 

Time
The eighteenth century newspapers cover a period of the rise and consolidation of the Jamaican plantocracy. Likewise, it is the century for numerous changes including the American War of Independence and the resultant efforts of the planters to source new places for their timber, salted foods and other items necessary for estate production. During this period, the planters were at their peak of power and influence and the examination of the newspapers would gauge the opinions of this powerful minority. 

Place
The Eighteenth Century Newspaper Collection at the National Library contains only Jamaican newspapers. Jamaica was during this period the gem of the British Empire. Her absentee plantocracy was very influential in British politics, economy and society. 

People
During the eighteenth century, many newspapers were owned by and influenced by the Jamaican plantocracy. As a result, the persons whose needs were met by the newspapers were the white Jamaican planters. The newspapers served their need for news on the European continent, their alignment with England and their English citizenry. As such, the eighteenth century newspapers would prove a good base for the study of the Jamaican plantocracy. 

Subject/Theme
The eighteenth century Jamaican newspapers will aid persons studying the politics, economy and society of eighteenth century Jamaica. Additionally, those interested in diplomatic and constitutional history of Jamaica will want to utilise the newspapers as they at times contained the proceedings of the Jamaican Assembly. 

Form/Style
Each eighteenth century newspaper contained its own unique layout. Persons wishing to do a comparative study of newspaper layouts would do well to study these newspapers. 

Social Value
The Eighteenth Century Newspaper Collection is of immense social value, being the medium though which public opinions were aired, and information surrounding the economy, politics and society of eighteenth century Jamaica. 

Integrity
Unfortunately, some of the newspapers are incomplete and possess gaps in years. This however, does not diminish the overall value of the Eighteenth Century Newspaper Collection and as such, they are worth examining. Because of the poor quality of paper and the time when microfilming was done, some films have poor legibility. 

Rarity
Though copies of some of these newspapers are held in the Public Record Office in England, many of these Jamaican newspapers are the only one of their kind that exists. Additionally, the National Library is the only institution that can boast such an extensive Jamaican Eighteenth Century Newspaper Collection. 

CONSULTATION

The National Library of Jamaica
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

NOMINATOR

The National Library of Jamaica

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Most of the eighteenth century newspapers are on microfilm. However, the microfilms are rather pale at times but some issues make up for this by having large print.

Top

History of Jamaica under Lord Vaughn

Name of Documentary Heritage: The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan 
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: The Caribbean 
Address: The National Library of Jamaica, 12 East Street, Kingston 

LEGAL INFORMATION

Owner (Name and contact details): 
The National Library 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above

Legal Status: Public

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: 
Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library where it forms part of the Manuscript Collection. 

Accessibility: The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan is available to members of the public for consultation, in particular, researchers and academics. 

Copyright Status: Public Domain 

Responsible Administration: The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan is located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library and responsible administration for the collection lies with the Executive Director of the National Library 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory: 
The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan is one volume. It chronicles not only the history of Jamaica under Vaughan, but also all political developments after the tenure of Earl of Carlisle. The manuscript contains 71 pages folio with original marble paper covers, enclosed in a cloth case. The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan is an interesting piece of manuscript history compiled for William Blathwayt. It has numerous corrections and interlineations in his handwriting and the additions which appear at the end are also entirely in his hand. 

More than likely, this manuscript was made for official use at the period of the arrival of Lord Carlisle and during the time the King’s Council was enquiring into the affairs of Jamaica. 

The manuscript discusses subjects including the state of the island, its soil, climate, and conquest. The subject matter often appeared in the side corner of the text, with a ruled line dividing the main text from the subject headings. 

Bibliographic details:
The bibliographic details of the History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan are housed within the card catalogue at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library. The Manuscript is filed under MS 159. 

HISTORY

The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan came from the Phillips Collection and was presented as a gift to the National Library. 

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic: 
Steps are being taken to place the bibliographic details of the History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan on a database that will eventually allow for online access for persons unable to visit the National Library. 

Preservation Plan: 
The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan is in good condition, though the edges have worn away somewhat. In addition, there are watermarks in the Manuscript, though this does not affect its overall usefulness. The binding has also worn. It is the hope of the National Library that funds can be accessed to digitise the material. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan is invaluable for persons wishing to studying the early constitutional and political development of Jamaica. The early governors set the tone for the plantation society Jamaica would eventually become. 

Time
The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan chronicled in the earliest period of Jamaica’s history and development and as such is one of the few remaining sources of this period. 

Place
The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan covers the island of Jamaica. 

People
The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan deals with issues surrounding the governors of Jamaica, persons influential in its development. They were instrumental in the development of Jamaica. Likewise, the Board of Trade and Plantations feature prominently. It was under their patronage that many policies and regulations were formulated. 

Subject/Theme
The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan covers issues relating to Jamaica’s constitutional and political development, its early landscape and the conquest of the island by the English. 

Form/Style
Persons interested in the study of the archaic hand will find this manuscript invaluable. 

Social Value
The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan is of tremendous social value, outlining the early constitutional history of Jamaica. It is one of the rare documents that survive that era. 
Integrity: The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan is in good condition. Watermarks have caused some damage, but not enough to make the manuscript sections illegible. 

Rarity
The National Library possesses the only copy of History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan in Jamaica. It is doubtful whether this exists elsewhere in the world. 

CONSULTATION

The National Library of Jamaica
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

NOMINATOR
John Aarons
The Government Archivist
C/O The Jamaica Archives
Spanish Town
Jamaica

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

The History of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan is in good condition, only wearing away somewhat at the edges and containing watermarks that do not affect the manuscript overall. With enough funds, the National Library hopes someday to digitise this very invaluable source of Jamaican history. 

Top

THE INSTITUTE OF JAMAICA LETTER BOOKS

Name of Documentary Heritage: The Institute of Jamaica Letter Books 
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: West Indies 
Address: The National Library of Jamaica, 12 East Street, Kingston

LEGAL INFORMATION

Owner (Name and contact details): The National Library 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above

Legal Status: Public 

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage:
Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the Institute of Jamaica Letter Books lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library where it forms part of the Manuscript Collection. 

Accessibility: The Institute of Jamaica Letter Books are available to members of the public for consultation, in particular researchers and academics. 

Copyright Status: Public Domain. 

Responsible Administration: The Institute of Jamaica Letter Books are located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library of Jamaica and responsible administration for it lies with the Executive Director 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory:
The Institute of Jamaica Letter Books consists of 60 bound volumes of letters written by former curators and secretaries of the Institute of Jamaica, spanning the start of the Institute in 1891 until 1938. The Letter Books feature letters written by Theodore D. A. Cockerell, former curator; E. Stuart Panton, former acting curator; Frank Cundall, former secretary and librarian; J. E. Duerden, and H. W. Morris, acting secretaries; and Delves Molesworth, assistant secretary. The volumes are bound in half leather binding, all on average 36 by 26 centimeters. Each volume consists of an alphabetical index of names and addresses. Subject matter varies widely and includes the staging of exhibitions; the acquisition of material including a Carib sacrificial knife, portraits of Bryan Edwards and Andrew Archedeckne, an album of the Society for the Relief of Negro Slaves (1825), Nugent Letters and the manuscript copy of “The State of Jamaica Under Lord Vaughan (1678); the hiring of clerks, curators and secretaries including Cundall himself; salaries, expenditure and appeals for funding; the effects of the 1907 earthquake; and scholarships and exams including the administration of the Rhodes Scholarship.” 

Bibliographic details: 
The Institute of Jamaica Letter Books are card catalogued under MS 23. Work is ongoing listing and cataloguing the collection. 

HISTORY

The Institute of Jamaica came into being in 1879 and as such the letters span this early period down to the period of consolidation in 1938. The letters were written by former secretaries and curators, notably Frank Cundall. The Letter Books, having been written by the then administrative staff of the Institute and dealing with matters ranging from the everyday and mundane to the rare and extraordinary, were kept in the possession of the National Library for posterity.

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic:
The Institute of Jamaica Letter Books are card catalogued on site at the National Library at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. Ongoing efforts are being made to place the details of the collection in a database, thus providing an online catalogue to patrons unable to visit the library. 

Preservation Plan: 
Some of the Letter Books are in a very fragile state. The National Library of Jamaica has taken on the task of rebinding the Letter Books on a gradual basis and using tissue paper to fill in what insects have eaten away. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
The National Library of Jamaica has the rather important task of preserving documents imperative to the study of Jamaica’s history. How it came into being and its development over the years are also important aspects of this history. The Letter Books will aid in this respect in maintaining the ideas and views of its pioneers. The role of the Institute in shaping the cultural heritage cannot be ignored and such an institution deserves its history preserved. 

Time
The Letter Books came into being at a time of great changes to Jamaica’s history and culture. Jamaica was a colony of Great Britain and as such it is important to see how and why the Institute of Jamaica was developed in a period where many argued that Jamaica had no history or at least none worth preserving. Another important aspect of the Letter Books is that they will allow for the study of the mentality of persons at the time, since it is not infrequently argued that letters are unwitting testimony. 

Place
The Letter Books were written by persons in Jamaica. Having come about in the island, the Letter Books which span a forty year period would be a useful study of changes overtime, especially since there was so much happening in Jamaica during this period, including the impact of the World Wars, the rise of nationalism and the struggles of the working class in Jamaica. The Letter Books would be a microcosm of these external happenings. 

People
One of the most famous curators of the Institute of Jamaica was Frank Cundall. His contribution to the development of Jamaica’s archives and repositories cannot be ignored. Interestingly, it is Frank Cundall that has written the majority of these letters. Persons interested in studying this rather important man, can utilise the Letter Books to achieve this end. In addition, Cundall was involved with the Cambridge exams both GCE O and A Levels, and scholarship exams. His execution of these roles is most important and is reflected in many of the letters that he wrote, which are available in the Letter Books. The other curators and secretaries are also important, because they contributed to the shaping of Jamaican thought by the preservation of sources of her history, both natural and social. 

Subject/Theme
The Institute of Jamaica Letter Books cover a broad range of topics ranging from University of Cambridge examinations, hiring of staff, expenditure, new buildings etc to the acquisition of new collections, the selling of some material etc. 

Form/Style
The letters are rather interesting in that they began when typewriters were not in wide usage and by 1914, almost all letters were typed. The style of each letter reflects old Jamaica greetings etc, which today are not largely used in letters. 

Social Value
The Institute of Jamaica Letter Books are important in preserving the history of the Institute and the National Library. Providing a service central to Jamaica’s culture and development, any documents relating to the Institute of Jamaica and the National Library need to be preserved. 

Integrity
Some of the Institute of Jamaica Letter Books are in a state of decay whereas some have already been restored and the work is ongoing. 

Rarity
The Institute of Jamaica Letter Books are truly unique. There are no large copies of letters relating to the Institute of Jamaica to be found anywhere in the world and as such, it needs to be preserved. 

CONSULTATION

The National Library of Jamaica
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

NOMINATOR

National Library of Jamaica

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Time has caused many of the pages to go blank because the ink was pale in the first instance.

Top

THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE IOJ

Name of Documentary Heritage: The Minutes of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica 
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: Caribbean 
Address: The National Library of Jamaica 12 East Street, Kingston 

LEGAL INFORMATION

Owner (Name and contact details): The National Library 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public 

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the Minutes Institute of Jamaica lie with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library of Jamaica. 

Accessibility: The Institute of Jamaica Minutes are available to members of the public for consultation. 
Copyright Status: The material is owned by the National Library of Jamaica. 

Responsible Administration: The Institute of Jamaica Minutes are located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library and responsible administration for it lies with the Executive Director of the National Library. 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory:
The Minutes of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica consists of 19 volumes and each starts with an alphabetised index. Volumes 1 to 11 consist of minutes spanning 1879-1951. Volumes 12 and 13 consist of newspaper clippings dating from 1896-1952. Volumes 14 and 17 are the Visitors Book, 1893-1894 and 1917-1937 respectively. The Museum Scrapbook forms volume 15 and volume 16 is the Lodgement Book, 1919-1929. Volume 18 is the Accessions Register, spanning 1914-1972 and Volume 19 is the Membership Book, 1916-1939. Copies of letters etc are inserted into the minute book where appropriate. Earlier Minutes are hand written whilst the later ones are typed. On the outer edge of each page, the subject matter of the minutes is indicated. The leaves for those that are typed consist of sheets that have been glued into the pages of the books. The handwritten ones on the other hand are written unto the pages of the books. The format of the minutes invariably follows the same pattern: date, those present at meetings, absences, minutes, finance, membership roll and miscellaneous items. The subject matter varies widely consisting of formulating rules, supplying books, overdue books, lost books, emancipation day celebration and new books or acquisitions. 

Most clippings are of events hosted by or under the patronage of the Institute of Jamaica. Such events include poetry recitals, honouring persons e.g. Sir Philip Sherlock, lecturers given e.g. on 31/1/39 a lecture was given on African Art and Exhibitions on Africa. The Museum Scrapbook is made up of Newspaper clippings etc. Unlike the Newspaper Clippings, it is less well organised. Subject matter varies but all are about Jamaica and so includes the fauna and flora of Jamaica, for example.

The Visitors Book is formatted according to date of the visitors, their name and address. It is obvious that many persons visited the Institute, of whom not a few were visitors.

The Membership Books contain members’ number, name, address, date of application, date of election, arrears, due amount for the year, date paid, amount paid, cash book folios and remarks.

Bibliographic details:
The Minutes of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica are listed catalogued under MS 2043. The card catalogue is quite adequate, with every card reflecting the different headings for each book e.g. Minute books, newspaper clippings, etc. 

HISTORY

Minutes of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica span 1879 to 1951. The minutes are of the meetings of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica and as such were passed down to the National Library’s Special Collections and Conservation Dept. 

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic: 
Minutes of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica are card catalogued on site at the National Library at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. Ongoing efforts are being made to place the details of the collection in a database, thus providing an online catalogue to patrons unable to visit the library. 

Preservation Plan:
The state of the Minutes of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica varies from one book to the other. In general, the minute books are fairly well preserved. Most volumes have the notice in one form or the other that “The solution used in binding this book has been specially prepared in order to render the work impervious to the ravages of insects.” However, all have been in varying degrees affected by the “ravages of insects”. For some, though the hardcover has decayed, the inside text is well preserved. In general, therefore, it is clear that the Minutes of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica require preservation, though the inside of the cover notes that insecticide was used in the binding. Efforts are ongoing and the National Library and in particular, the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. has undertaken the task of rebinding the Minutes on a gradual basis and using tissue paper to fill in what insects have eaten away. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
The Institute of Jamaica is one of the many bodies responsible for the preservation of Jamaica’s history. Its creation and evolution are therefore important. In 1939, the Institute was responsible for hosting an exhibition and lecture on African Art. In 1939, this was certainly a major step in a country that was colonised by Britain. As a result the role and impact of the Institute in the development of Black pride and nationalism cannot be ignored. 

Time
The Institute has seen and been through major changes. It emerged during colonisation and saw the 1907 earthquake, the 1938 riots and universal adult suffrage in 1944, just to name a few major turning points and events in Jamaica’s history. As a result, the response of the Institute to these changes can be examined, especially since these persons resided in Jamaica and their opinions would have been reflected of a section of Jamaica’s society. In addition, the response of the Institute to these events and the direction that they took as a result would be important aspects of their development and the development of Jamaica as well. 
Place
The Institute of Jamaica is located in Jamaica. However, Jamaica has undergone the struggle from Crown Colony to Independence. These changes could not be ignored and the role of the Institute in the thick of this cannot either. 

People
The Minutes of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica contains the views of many persons. Not the least of which is H. Delisser. Delisser was one of the major media persons of the time, writing for several newspaper editorials. Delisser was certainly a man of his time and it was hard not to pick up a newspaper during the early 20th century and not read Delisser’s views which were mostly reflective of many of the upper and upper middle-classes at the time. In addition, Frank Cundall was later a member of the Board of Governor’s and his contribution to the development of Jamaica’s archives and repositories is indeed significant. A study of the minutes would display the efforts of Cundall and clearly delineate his contribution. 

Subject/Theme
The Minutes of the Board of Governors contains many subjects and themes. These include responses to the external society, e.g., the earthquake of 1907, membership, expenditure and permanent staff, hiring of personnel, acquisition of new material, building of the junior centre, supplying books to different organisations, lost books, borrowing books, membership fees and arrears and exhibitions and lectures. 

Form/Style
The format of the minutes discussed above is important for persons wishing it. The Minutes were at first hand written and it would be useful to study. 

Social Value
The Institute of Jamaica plays a tremendous role in the preservation of Jamaica’s history and its minutes or anything pertaining to its development and evolution would be therefore invaluable. From the newspaper clippings, it is clear that the Institute played a major role in the progress of Jamaica’s culture, sponsoring lectures on African Art and poetry readings. By giving ear to the Jamaica literati, the Institute fostered the development of Jamaica’s society. 

Integrity
The Minutes of the Board of Governors in general needs to be better preserved. For most, it is not that the information has decayed or been eaten away, but rather it is that the outer portions of the pages have decayed. Likewise the binding of some have fallen away. In addition, volume three of the minutes is missing. 

Rarity
The Minutes of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica is the only one of its kind. As a result it needs to be preserved. 

CONSULTATION

John Aarons
Government Archivist

NOMINATOR

The National Library of Jamaica

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Many of the volumes of the Minutes of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica are on a priority list for restoration. The data is not compromised.

Top

Jamaica Plat Book

ABSTRACT

Plat books are records or volumes containing diagrams of land granted to settlers in Jamaica and other Caribbean territories. In addition, they give valuable information regarding the purpose of the land granted to the particular settler. 

IDENTITY AND LOCATION 

Name of documentary heritage: Plat books
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: West Indies 
Address (location of doc): Jamaica Archives, Corner of King and Manchester Streets, Spanish Town. 

Legal Information

Owner: Jamaica Archives 

Custodian: as above 

Legal Status: These records are owned by the National Archives, and are accessible to the public, to be used at the National Archives. There are no restrictions on its use within the purview of proper treatment of the documents.

Details of legal and administrative provision for the preservation of the Documentary heritage

Accessibility: These volumes are easily accessible at the Archives and are made available for research by historians and other researchers. Patrons of the Archives are required to sign books explaining the purpose of research and contact details. There are no other requirements for use of this particular historical record. Like all other Archival holdings, these documents cannot be removed from the Clinton Black Reading Room, the central reading room in the Jamaica Archives.

Copyright Status: The proportions of the Plat Books makes them difficult to photocopy without damaging the records, but digitizing under the supervision of archive staff of a selected amount, as well as note taking, are permitted. 

Responsible administration: Responsibility for the collection is with the Government Archivist. 

Identification

Description: 
The volumes of Plat Books housed at the archives contain diagrams of land granted to settlers. The entries are in alphabetical order. Individual indexes contained in the volumes give information related to the parish of the land, the year it was granted and to whom. The books also contain the size of acreage of the land, the purpose of the tract, the date and the owner(s) of the property. 

Bibliographic Details:
While there is no general index to the series, several volumes have indexes.

HISTORY

These and other volumes under the control of the Jamaica Archives were deposited after 1953, when a committee was appointed specifically for the archives as a section of the Island Record Office, established in 1879, following the passing of the Island Records Law (law 6 of 1879). 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA 

Influence
Plat books and other materials pertaining to the early history of settlement in Jamaica have influenced the writings of myriad historians. These volumes give valuable information regarding the evolution of land grants in the island. Historians have been able to trace the development, growth and transitions of land and related transactions from these records. Their pictorial nature also allows for specific research to be done on the size and topography of land in Jamaica and allows for illustrated works to emerge. 

Time/place
The Jamaican plat books naturally focus on the island. Plat books contain information regarding land from as early as settlers were granted tracts in the 15th century. 

People
While the focus is on diagrams of land and property in Jamaica, these volumes often include the owners of the land and as such, interested persons are able to study specific individuals and their connections with particular areas of the island and land grants. 

Form/Style
The individual books are large bound volumes with diagrams of properties. Though large, they are in fairly good condition. The diagrams are clear and visible and contain information along side the drawings pertaining to the land.

Social Value
One of the poignant values of the information contained in the volumes of plat books is the variety of information it contains and the myriad information they contain. Various types of research can be conducted using this one document. It is also a useful tool for cross-referencing evidence from similar sources in the recreation of the history of Jamaica from the 15th to 18th centuries. 

Integrity
These are original documents that have been preserved in their original state as well as on microfilm.

Rarity
While similar information may be found in wills and deeds at the archives and the Island records office, the plat books as a single collection in itself is rarely found in such sequence. 

MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Preservation Plan: The archive takes special precautions to safeguard the quality of its collections, by instructing patrons in the proper techniques when using the documents. Patrons are not allowed to use pens in the reading room, and are sometimes offered magnifying glasses if the material is hard to decipher. Proper handling of these records is stressed. The archive has embarked on a 5 year plan to microfilm all its collections, particularly older ones and those that are deteriorating with time. However the completion of this is contingent on funding. 

CONSULTATION 

John Aarons
53-56 Church street
Kingston 

Tel: (876) 922 3705-6

NOMINATOR

Jamaica Archives

Top

The Letterbook of the Columbian Commerical Agency in Jamaica, 1832-1839 and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica, 1844-1861

ABSTRACT

The Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica contains two sections, its namesake dated from 1832 to 1839 and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica dated from 1844 to 1861. Both Letterbooks are in Spanish and are useful for persons studying Jamaica’s foreign relations in the nineteenth century. The Letterbooks contain the impression of the Consul members of life in Jamaica. Subjects dealt with include the situation of the formerly enslaved Africans in Jamaica, housing, sugar estates and provisions. An examination of the Letterbooks would give an honest eye-witness and outsider’s view of Jamaica in the nineteenth century.

PART A – ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

IDENTITY AND LOCATION

Name of Documentary Heritage: The Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica, 1832-1839 and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica, 1844-1861 
Country: Jamaica and Columbia 
State, Province or Region: The Caribbean 
Address: The National Library of Jamaica, 12 East Street, Kingston 

LEGAL INFORMATION

Owner (Name and contact details): 

The National Library of Jamaica 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567
Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public 

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: 
Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica lie with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library where it forms part of the Manuscript Collection. 

Accessibility: The Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica, 1832-1839 and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica, 1844-1861 are available to members of the public for consultation, in particular researchers and academics. 

Copyright Status: Due to the age of the material, being over 150 years old, the letterbooks are in the public domain.

Responsible Administration: The Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica are located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library of Jamaica and responsible administration for it lies with the Executive Director of the National Library.

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory: There is only one volume of the Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica. The letters are in Spanish and are written to members of the Columbian government outside of Jamaica. They chiefly deal with the commercial link between Jamaica and Columbia that existed during this period. Additionally, letters deal with epidemics and the social situation in Jamaica. The ink used on the first few pages is so pale as to make the writing/content almost invisible. 

The Columbia (Nueva Granada) Consulate was located in Kingston, Jamaica. The Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia contains copies of all out-letters of the Consul and span September 17, 1844 to May 2, 1861. The letters are written in Spanish. The Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica deals with several subjects. This includes the plight of the free Blacks in Jamaica, housing, agriculture, and provisions. The first letter in particular gives an overview of the situation in Jamaica through the eyes on the Consul. The Letters are written to Secretaries of State, Prefects and other members of the Columbian government. 

Bibliographic details: Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica are filed under MS 294 in the card catalogue in the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library. 

HISTORY

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic: Bibliographic details of the Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica are located in the card catalogue on site in the Special Collections and Conservations Dept. at the National Library. Ongoing efforts are being made to place such details in a database which will eventually be placed online to provide access to patrons unable to come into the library.

Preservation Plan: The Letterbooks are in a fragile state. Both books need to be rebound as the covers are missing. Furthermore, in the case of the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica, water stains have ruined the first few pages, making the content unreadable. The Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica also has similar problems resulting from water marks. The National Library has however made plans to have both books rebound. Likewise, patrons are urged to utilise gloves provided by the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. when consulting the Letterbooks. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
The Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica are useful for persons interested in studying Jamaica’s social and economic affairs during this period. It would be interesting to study the relations between the two countries during this period. Additionally, the fairly candid comments of the consul can aid in representing life in Jamaica. Today, Jamaica has ties with Columbia and from the Letterbooks it would seem that this relation was cemented early on.

Time
The Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica came into being in 1832. This was two years before the abolition of slavery and one year following the Sam Sharpe Rebellion. As such, the study of this Letterbook would encapsulate the impact of the Rebellion and the turning point in Jamaica’s history. The Letterbook spans the abolition of slavery in 1834, the apprenticeship system and its ending in 1839. These dates and events are so integral to Jamaica’s history and development that a Letterbook that spans these major turning points cannot be ignored. The Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica came about in 1844, two years before the Sugar Duties Equalisation Act and goes up to 1861, four years before the Morant Bay Rebellion. The Sugar Duties Equalisation Act had a devastating effect on the Jamaican sugar industry and resulted in common hardship all over Jamaica. The Morant Bay Rebellion resulted in the replacement of the Old Representative System of Government by Crown Colony Government and as such marks a defining moment in Jamaica’s constitutional history. As such, this Letterbook would be useful for persons interested in the state of affairs in Jamaica during these time frames. 

Place
The Letterbooks were written in Jamaica by persons not from Jamaica. As such, they allow for an interesting outsider’s look at conditions in Jamaica. The Consuls were located in Kingston, Jamaica and perhaps the letters would be framed by conditions in that city. 

People
The letters were written by representatives of Columbia in Jamaica. Such persons were mainly ambassadors and ministers. The persons that they wrote to were Secretaries of State, Prefects and other Columbian government officials. The letters are useful for the study of eye-witness views of conditions in Jamaica, conditions that were brought to the attention of the Columbian government. The honest views that these persons may have had about members of the Jamaican Assembly and Council might prove useful for persons studying the Old Representative System of Government in Jamaica. 

Subject/Theme
The Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica will prove useful for persons wishing to study the economic, political and social conditions in Jamaica. Likewise persons studying the diplomatic history of Jamaica will find the Letterbooks invaluable. 

Form/Style
The letters are written in Spanish and as such Latin American style of address will be utilised. Persons wishing to study comparative language styles of address will no doubt enjoy examining the Letterbooks. 
Criterion 7, Social Value: The Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica are very important. They are of social value because they span major turning points in Jamaica’s history, including the abolition of slavery, the apprenticeship and its ending, the Sugar Duties Equalisation Act and the conditions that started the road to the Morant Bay Rebellion. 

Integrity
As a result of water marks and the resultant effect to the ink and the contents of the letters, Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica are equally compromised. The pages are at times brittle and fragile and the letters sometimes hard to read because the ink has become pale due to age. 

Rarity
The Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica may not be extremely rare if copies of the letters written exist outside of Jamaica. However, the Letterbooks are unique because they are the only ones located in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

CONSULTATION

The National Library
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567
Email: nlj@infochan.com

NOMINATOR

Dr. James C. Robertson
Department of History and Archaeology
University of the West Indies, Mona
Jamaica.

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

The Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica are fragile due to age. Liquid has affected the state of some of the letters and as a result watermarks have made the ink pale and the contents of the letters unreadable in certain cases. This also has a negative impact of the leaves of the books. However, considering the age of the Letterbooks and the effect of the liquid on the leaves, the Letterbooks are surprisingly in fair condition. However, the National Library has made arrangements for the Letterbook of the Columbian Commercial Agency in Jamaica and the Letterbook of the Consul of Columbia in Jamaica to be rebound in due time. 

Top

THE LUCKY VALLEY ESTATE PLANS

Name of Documentary Heritage: The Lucky Valley Estate Plans 
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: Caribbean 
Address: The National Library of Jamaica 12 East Street, Kingston 

LEGAL INFORMATION

Owner (Name and contact details): 
The National Library of Jamaica 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public 

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the Lucky Valley Estate Plans lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library where it forms part of the Manuscript Collection. 

Accessibility: The Lucky Valley Estate Plans is available to members of the public for consultation, in particular, researchers and academics. 

Copyright Status: The collection is not covered by copyright. 

Responsible Administration: The Lucky Valley Estate Plans are located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library and responsible administration for the collection lies with the Executive Director of the National Library. 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory:
The Lucky Valley Estate Plan is drawn to perfection, reflecting the Juan de Bolas River to the north, to the left Oaks Estate and the right Unity Plantation. Lucky Valley was a sugar estate and as such all maps reflected this by noting in general the number of acreage in canes, pasture, woodlands, accommodation and grounds for the enslaved, the factory and works, the great house and the boundaries discussed above. One of the earliest maps of Lucky Valley was drawn by James Blair in 1769 at the request of Edward Long. Higman notes how striking this map is, “What is most striking about this plan is that it incorporates a series of concentric circles and arcs, drawn at quarter-mile intervals, superimposed over the layout of the estate and clearly centred on the mid-point of the works building.” Other maps were drawn by surveyors Kenneth Morison in 1773, Benjamin Hayes in 1816 and the map of 1883 witnessed by Isaac Barnes. Overall the maps are all well done and rather detailed. 

Bibliographic details: 
There are several copies of Lucky Valley estate maps as discussed above. They are all located in the online database available at the National Library. In addition, they are catalogued by parish and so begin with Clarendon followed by a number. 

Visual Documentation: 
Photographs exist of the Lucky Valley Estate Plans and they have been used as illustrations in several books in particular Barry Higman’s Jamaica Surveyed: Plantation Maps and Plans of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries. 

HISTORY

The Lucky Valley Estate Plans form part of the Cadastral Map Collection which consists of maps and plans that were prepared by private surveyors. All maps, except the last. was ordered by members of the Long family including Edward Long and Edward Beeston Long. Oftentimes, the maps were done up in response to new additions to the land, death of the owner (in the case of E. Beeston Long) or on the proprietor leaving to go overseas (Edward Long). Between 1876 and 1891 the maps and plans were collected by Thomas Harrison, the Surveyor General who made use of them in producing the cadastral maps of the parishes of Jamaica. In the 1940s, the collection was handed over to the Institute of Jamaica and placed in the West India Reference Library. The collection of this library became the basis of the National Library when it was established in 1979.

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic:
The bibliographic details of the maps are available online via the database on site at the National Library. 
Preservation Plan: The Lucky Valley Estate Maps are overall fairly well preserved. Patrons are urged to use gloves and the maps are stored in acid free folders. In addition, preservation work, for example was done on the 1883 map and as such, the original map was glued to rice paper. There are however tears along the creases and the bottom right has been eaten away somewhat due to corrosion. This does not, however, ruin or affect the map itself. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
The Lucky Valley Estate Plans are useful for persons wishing to study land usage and tenure, especially since it is argued that the general principles of plantation layout is adhered to by the Lucky Valley Estate. Likewise, it gives some information for persons wishing to study early surveying techniques and landscape history. Persons wishing to study the Longs will do well to consult these maps since they give evidence of decline over time. The Longs were prominent members of the West India Lobby and also powerful London merchants who were influential both in the Caribbean and in England. Edward Long, for example, wrote the three volumes of History of Jamaica which are used by almost every historian studying the 18th century Jamaica. Long gives tips for planters on the layout of their plantation and so forth. It would be interesting to note whether his views etc, were reflected in his estate plan. 

Time
The Lucky Valley Estate Maps stretch over a number of years. As Higman notes, the maps not only give dates but also the possessions of the estate. What is clear therefore, is that to study these maps is also to study decline over the course of two generations. However, while there is material decline in wealth, land was added on to the estates. As such, time, in terms of a stretch of time is useful in this case. 

Place
The Lucky Valley Estate is located in Clarendon, Jamaica. Persons wishing to study land usage, etc in Clarendon can use the Lucky Valley Estate Plans as a microcosm of the study of estates in Clarendon in general, especially since the Lucky Valley Estate was a reflection of the ideal layout of an estate. 

People
The first family who owned the Lucky Valley Estate were the Longs. These were powerful and wealthy person. Samuel Long for example was a member of the Jamaican Assembly as was Edward Long, who wrote the History of Jamaica. It is worth mentioning that the merchant firm the family owned and ran in London was a factor for many West Indian planters. The Longs were also powerful lobbyist, belonging to the West India Interest. As such, one cannot study these persons without also looking at their plantations. 

Subject/Theme
The Lucky Valley Estate Plans are useful in the study of Jamaican economic history, land ownership, land tenure and usage, history of surveying, and map making. 

Form/Style
Persons wishing to study the surveying techniques, the material used and the format of early maps and plans of former surveyors will find the Lucky Valley Estate Plans invaluable. 

Social Value
The Lucky Valley Estate Plans are a valuable primary source of Jamaica’s social and economic history. It reflects the ideal layout of a plantation and indicates land tenure and usage. 

Integrity and Rarity
The Lucky Valley Estate Plans are in fairly good condition. They are especially unique, in that the National Library possesses the only originals. 

CONSULTATION

Prof. Barry Higman
National University of Australia
Canberra
Australia

NOMINATOR

National Memory of the World Committee Jamaica (1999) 

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

The Lucky Valley Estate Plans are in the main, well preserved. Patrons are advised to use gloves when consulting the maps and in addition, the maps are preserved in acid free folders which reduce the risk of corrosion. However, funds are needed to digitise these maps. 

Top

Manumission of Slaves

ABSTRACT

The records of manumission of slaves are deeds freeing enslaved people. It includes 70 volumes of deeds spanning the 18th and 19th centuries. Volume 70, which is dated after emancipation in 1834, contains the deeds releasing persons from apprenticeship. 

IDENTITY AND LOCATION 

Name of documentary heritage: Manumission of Slaves
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: West Indies 
Address (location of doc): Jamaica Archives, Corner of King and Manchester Streets, Spanish Town. 

Legal Information

Owner: The Jamaica Archives 

Custodian: as above 

Legal Status: These records are owned by the Jamaica Archives, and are accessible to the public. There are no restrictions on its use within the purview of proper treatment of the documents

Details of legal and administrative provision for the preservation of the Documentary heritage:

Accessibility: Like all other Archival holdings, these volumes cannot be removed from the Clinton Black Reading Room, the central reading room in the Jamaica Archives. 

Copyright Status: The age and state of many of the paper documents in this collection make them difficult to reproduce by photocopying, but digitizing under the supervision of archive staff of a selected amount, as well as note taking is permitted. Those that are microfilmed can be reproduced to paper format. 

Responsible administration: Responsibility for the collection is with the Government Archivist. 

Identification

Description:
These records are in 70 bound volumes. The first 4 volumes were listed as missing, in the list of record books in the Island Secretary’s Office compiled in 1869. 

The documents begin in the year 1747 and there end in 1838, the end of the apprenticeship period. Some of these records are also in microfilm form and has an individual index at the front of each volume. They are hand written and include the sum of money paid to free the enslaved person. It also includes the name of the enslaved person, the previous owner, and details about the person including skin colour, kin as well as the parish they lived and worked in. 

Bibliographic Details:
This collection includes 2 index volumes in which entries are recorded under the name of the manumitter but not of the person manumitted. The first volume covers libers 12-53 (1778-1819) and the second includes libers 54-68 (1819-1833). In addition most of the volumes including numbers 5-7, 9, 12, 69, 70 have their own indices. 

HISTORY
The list of record books in the Island Secretary’s Office was compiled in 1869. These would have been handed over to the National Archives after 1953, when a committee was appointed specifically for the archives as a section of the Island Record Office, established in 1879, following the passing of the Island Records Law (law 6 of 1879). 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA 

Influence
Documents such as these are invaluable sources of the study of slavery in the Caribbean and more specifically, Jamaican context. They have helped to shed light on the process of freedom in the context of a slave society and have been used my myriad historians as sources for a variety of studies. Though it was only relatively fee enslaved people that got their freedom before emancipation in 1834, these documents offer an insight into the ‘anomalies’ of freed blacks and coloureds in this structure of the slave society. 

Time
Volumes 12-53 cover the period 1778-1819 while volumes 54-68 1819-1833. these dates cover the period of slavery in Jamaica, which was officially ended in 1834. The period of apprenticeship from 1834 to 1838 is reflected in a final volume which includes deeds for those persons who were released, usually by payment, from apprenticeship. 

Place
The records are also significant in that they usually include the exact location by parish and occasionally estate that the enslaved person is being released from. Therefore one is able to get a picture of the trends of manumission according to parish and estate. One is also able to get a picture of the significance of manumission in Jamaica as a premier slave society which in was strategically, one of the most important sugar producing British colonies of the 18th century. 

People
Enslaved people, as chattel were robbed of their human identity, and reduced to cargo, and property of other persons. Probably the most poignant contribution of this collection to historiography and the study of history itself, is that it sheds light on what people were worth in monetary terms. One is also able to trace the owners of these enslaved people identify trends as to which properties engaged in manumission of their enslaved people.

Social Value
By listing names, kin, and the amount of money needed to free a person from life long servitude, this collection allows historians and other interested persons a better insight into the value of enslaved people to the plantation economies of the Caribbean and Jamaica. It is also useful for genealogical studies, as families can be traced through these documents since hey include the kin of the newly freed person, as well as the former owners and parish of birth.

Integrity
These documents are original hand written documents that have been preserved in their original state as well as on microfilm. 

Rarity
These are one of the few documents which state how much money enslaved persons were worth. This collection is the only one of this nature in the island. 

MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Preservation Plan: The archive takes special precautions to safeguard the quality of its collections, by instructing patrons in the proper techniques when using the documents. Patrons are not allowed to use pens in the reading room, and are sometimes offered magnifying glasses if the material is hard to decipher. Proper handling of these records is stressed. The archive has embarked on a 5 year plan to microfilm all its collections, particularly older ones and those that are deteriorating with time. However the completion of this is contingent on funding. Nonetheless the very early documents in this collection have been microfilmed and patrons are usually given the microfilmed version to use rather than the bound volumes to ensure survival of the original documents. 

CONSULTATION 

John Aarons 
53-56 Church street
Kingston 

Tel: (876) 922 3705-6

NOMINATOR

Jamaica Archives

Top

A MAP OF THE WEST INDIES AND MIDDLE CONTINENT OF AMERICA, 1790

ABSTRACT

A Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America was drawn by John Blair as a supplement to his tables of chronology. This map is very descriptive and contains drawings of Cuba, Jamaica, St. Domingo, the Leeward Islands, a bit of South America, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Yucatan, and Florida, Georgia and Louisiana in North America. The smaller islands of the Bahamas, Providence and the tiny French islands of Marie Galante, Martinique and Guadeloupe are also represented. This map is especially useful for researchers of the topography of the West Indies and visual representation in the 18th century.

PART A – ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

IDENTITY AND LOCATION

Name of Documentary Heritage: A Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America, from the latest observations by John Blair LLD, and FRS as a supplement to his tables of chronology, 1790. 
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: West Indies 
Address: The National Library of Jamaica, 12 East Street, Kingston

LEGAL INFORMATION

Owner (Name and contact details): The National Library 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public 

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library of Jamaica where it forms part of the Manuscript Collection. 

Accessibility: The John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America is available to members of the public for consultation, in particular, researchers and academics. 

Copyright Status: Due to the age of the document, being over 200 years old, the map is not covered by copyright.

Responsible Administration: John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America is located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library and responsible administration for the collection lies with the Executive Director of the National Library. 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory: 
John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America is fairly descriptive and includes most areas in the region including Cuba, Jamaica, St. Domingo, The Leeward Islands, sections of South America including Venezuela, Central American states, including Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Yucatan and sections of North America including bits of Florida, Georgia and Louisiana. Other countries include the Bahamas, Providence Island, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Marie Galante. Blair also makes note of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico. Initial observation allows one to observe that all the Caribbean Islands are represented, and while this is the case, Blair’s West Indian map lacks internal detail and as such, places are not at all named at times. In addition, the topography of each territory is ignored. But this can be attributed to the size of the map and the fact that what Blair lacks internally he more than makes up for externally by making note of even the tiniest lava island. 

Bibliographic details:
Bibliographic details John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America is located on site in the card catalogue in the Special Collections and Conservations Dept. Likewise, its details are being placed in a database that can be accessed at the National Library. In time, this database will be put online, where it will become easily accessible to persons unable to visit the National Library. 

HISTORY

John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America was published in 1790 as a supplement to his tables of chronology. 

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic: 
Bibliographic details of John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America are available in the card catalogue, which is on site at the National Library’s Special Collection and Conservations Dept. In addition, efforts are being made to place these details in a database, which will eventually become available to persons online who are unable to visit the National Library. 

Preservation Plan: 
John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America is overall very well preserved. Patrons are advised to use gloves when consulting this manuscript. In addition, the map is stored in an acid free folder. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America is very useful for persons studying the regional development of the Caribbean and the Americas. Blair’s map is reader friendly and easy to use. Though not possessing thorough representation of the internal parts of the territories, Blair has indeed made up for this in his very comprehensive map of the West Indies. It is useful for persons studying the West Indies as a reference map because Blair’s map has the old names of some territories. Very few maps of this early period depict the West Indies in such detail. 

Time and Place
John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America was published in 1790 and as such it is valuable for 18th century researchers. In addition, the scope of the map is not just limited to the Caribbean but includes also portions of North, Central and South America or even English speaking territories. 

People
The persons who occupied the places covered by the map were from different races, including Europeans, Africans and Amerindians. 

Subject/Theme
John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America is useful for the study of the spatial distribution of the islands. In addition, persons interested in the changes to the names of places over time will find this map especially useful. 

Form/Style
The map drawn by Blair is especially detailed. In addition it is consistent with 18th century style. Persons interested in the spelling of words and the changes to the names of countries over time find it useful. 

Social Value
John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America possesses tremendous social value for the study of the West Indies. Unlike most maps of its time, Blair’s map is especially comprehensive as it relates to territories and more than likely, historians of the West Indies will always seek to use this map in their works. 

Integrity
John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America is very well preserved and all the text is in good order. 

Rarity
John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America is very unique owing to the undue attention paid to geographic spaces. 

CONSULTATION

NOMINATOR

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

John Blair’s Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America is very well preserved. It is kept in acid free folders and patrons are urged to use gloves when consulting this source. The map is also reader friendly.

Top

THE NINETEENTH CENTURY NEWSPAPER COLLECTION

LEGAL INFORMATION

Owner (Name and contact details): The National Library 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516

Fax: (876) 922-5567
Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public 

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the Nineteenth Century Newspaper Collection lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library where it forms part of the Manuscript Collection. 

Accessibility: The Nineteenth Century Newspaper Collection is available to members of the public for consultation, in particular, researchers and academics.

Copyright Status: Due to the age of the newspapers, the newspapers are not covered by copyright. However, since most of the Nineteenth Century Newspapers were recently microfilmed, copyright for the use of such microfilm images lies with those who microfilmed it. 

Responsible Administration: The Nineteenth Century Newspaper Collection is located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library of Jamaica and responsible administration for the collection lies with the Executive Director of the National Library of Jamaica. 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory: 
Most of the Nineteenth Century Newspaper Collection has been placed on microfilm. Even bound copies were recently microfilmed so that the entire collection has been done. The Nineteenth Century Newspaper Collection covers newspapers from all over the English Caribbean and include: 

Antigua 
The Weekly Register 
Barbados 
The Barbadian 
The Barbados Mercury and Bridgetown Gazette 
The Times 
British Guiana/Guyana 
Essequebo and Demerary Royal Gazette®Royal Gazette of the United Colony of Essequebo and Demerary (1817)®Royal Gazette of British Guiana (1832) 
The Cayman Islands 
The Royal Gazette and Turks and Caicos Islands Commercial Literary Political Journal 
Dominica 
The Dominican 
The Dominica Colonist 
Grenada 
The St. George Chronicle and Grenada Gazette 
The New Era 
The Equilibrium 
Haiti 
Bulletin Official Du Port - Republican 
Jamaica 
The Royal Gazette 
The St. Jago De La Vega Gazette 
The Diary and Kingston Daily Advertiser 
The Jamaica Courant 
Cornwall Chronicle Supplement 
The Kingston Chronicle 
The Buckatoro Journal 
The Trifler 
The New Times 
The Struggler 
The Watchman and Jamaica Free Press 
The Patriot 
The Gleaner Commercial Advertiser 
Jamaica Despatch and Shanon’s Daily Messenger 
The Falmouth Post 
The Morning Journal 
The Jamaica Standard 
De Cordova’s Mercantile Intelligencer 
The Colonial Standard and Jamaica Despatch 
Lawton’s Commercial Gazette 
The Jamaica Tribune and Daily Advertiser 
Anglo-Jamaican Advertiser 
The Sentinel Country Union and Anglo-Jamaican Advertiser 
The Jamaica Guardian 
Gall’s Newsletter 
The Jamaica Instruction 
The Budget 
The Trelawny and Public Advertiser 
The Jamaica Witness 
Westmoreland Telegraph and Planters’ Gazette 
The Jamaica Colonialist 
The Jamaica Creole and Daily Recorder 
The Nineteenth Century and St. James Gazette 
The Evening Express 
The West India Field Colonial Wesleyan Chronicle 
The Jamaica Post 
The Jamaica Advocate 
The Daily Telegraph and Anglo-American Herald 
St. Kitts 
The St. Christopher Advertiser and Weekly Intelligencer 
St. Lucia 
The Voice of St. Lucia 
Trinidad and Tobago 
Trinidad Gazette 
Trinidad and Tobago Chronicle 
Tobago Gazette 
Turk and Caicos Islands 
The Turks Island Gazette and Commercial Reporter 
The Royal Standard and Gazette of the Turks and Caicos Islands 
The Turks Islands

The owners and readership of nineteenth century newspapers was in general wider than that of the eighteenth century. The nineteenth century witnessed the rise of newspapers owned by the free coloured and black factions of the Jamaican society, for example. The Watchman and Jamaica Free Press for instance was owned by a member of the coloured middle class. Though the subject matters of the nineteenth century newspapers were at times similar to that of the eighteenth century, due to a readership more extensive than the white plantocracy, the issues dealt with were more varied. They included topics such as the inequality and injustice meted out the mixed population, emancipation, religious affairs and agriculture. 

Bibliographic details: 
The Nineteenth Century Newspaper Collection is located at the National Library’s Special Collection and Conservation Dept. where there are several detailed catalogues. These catalogues give the dates of the newspapers, the extent of the collection in terms of certain years and whether or not a specific newspaper is on microfilm or bound or photocopied. 
Visual Documentation: Most of the Nineteenth Century newspapers are on microfilm. 

HISTORY

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic:
While there are detailed catalogues of the extent of the National Library's nineteenth century newspaper holdings, there is no card catalogue of it. However, attempts are being made to place the bibliographic details of the newspapers on a database that will be placed online. 

Preservation Plan:
The Nineteenth Century Newspaper Collection has been preserved by the National Library in the form of microfilm. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
Nineteenth century newspapers have been used repeatedly by academics researching the Caribbean in the nineteenth century. Most research has been in some form or another influenced by data found in these newspapers and as a result it is often the first point of reference for students and historians of nineteenth century Caribbean economy, politics and society. 

Time
The Nineteenth Century Newspaper Collection covers a momentous period of the Caribbean’s history. This includes the general decline of the sugar planters, decisive slave revolts to topple the system of enslavement, the emancipation of the enslaved people, immigration and indentureship, the Morant Bay Rebellion and the change from the Old Representative System of government to the Crown Colony system. 

Place
The National Library possesses an extensive collection of nineteenth century newspapers that almost spans the entire English speaking Caribbean. These Caribbean Islands were at this point in history, colonies of England and as such their policies were influenced by the vicissitudes of England. 

People
Unlike the Eighteenth Century Collection of Newspapers, which focuses on the white Jamaican plantocracy, the Nineteenth Century Collection is more varied resulting from a wider readership. The nineteenth century witnessed the rise of specialised newspapers dealing with the needs of the disenfranchised free blacks and coloureds. As such it is safe to argue that the newspapers of the nineteenth century give a more holistic view of Caribbean society. 

Subject/Theme
Persons interested in studying the evolution and development of Caribbean society, economy and politics would do well to use the nineteenth century newspapers as a starting point of reference. Other topics that can be examined using these newspapers are immigration and indentureship and agriculture. 

Form/Style
The Nineteenth Century Newspaper Collection comes from different English speaking Caribbean islands. Accordingly each newspaper would have its own unique layout and as such persons wishing to undertake a comparative study of newspaper layouts would want to take a look at these newspapers. 

Social Value
The Nineteenth Century Newspaper Collection is of tremendous social value, being the media through which public opinions could be expressed; public opinions that this time would include large segments of the disenfranchised population. Additionally, the nineteenth century marked great social, economic and political changes in the Caribbean and the newspapers would chronicle these changes and the opinions of sections of its populace would be contained therein. 

Integrity
Unfortunately, some of the newspapers are incomplete and gaps in years are evident. This does not reduce the value of the Nineteenth Century Newspaper Collection and as such they are still a useful point of reference. The microfilm copies of some of the newspapers are pale. 

Rarity
Though copies of some of these newspapers are held elsewhere, the National Library possesses one of the largest collection of nineteenth century Caribbean newspapers. 

CONSULTATION

The National Library
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

NOMINATOR

National Memory of the World Committee Jamaica (1999)

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Most of the nineteenth century newspapers are on microfilm. However the microfilms are at times rather pale, resulting in difficulty reading. 

Top

The Nuttal Collection

Bust of the Right Rev. Enos Nuttall

ABSTRACT

The Nuttall Collection consists of the correspondence, papers, and sermons of the Right Rev. Enos Nuttall, Bishop of Jamaica and Archbishop of the West Indies. The collection spans the period c. 1863-1916. This collection is vital for the study of the Anglican Church in Jamaica during the time period of the collection. In addition, the collection will also benefit persons wishing to study the development and history of education, social and charitable institutions of Jamaica during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. 

PART A – ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

IDENTITY AND LOCATION

Name of Documentary Heritage: The Nuttall Collection 
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: Caribbean 
Address: The National Library, 12 East Street, Kingston 

LEGAL INFORMATION

Owner (Name and contact details): The National Library 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567
Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public 

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the Nuttall Collections lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library where it forms part of the Manuscript Collection. 

Accessibility: The Nuttall Collection is available to members of the public for consultation, in particular, researchers and academics. 

Copyright Status: The collection was handed over as a gift to the Institute of Jamaica and to the National Library of Jamaica on its establishment . 

Responsible Administration: The Nuttall Collections is located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library and responsible administration for the collection lies with the Executive Director of the National Library. 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory: 
The Nuttall Collection is comprised of 38 boxes containing letter-books, memoranda, magazines and newspapers, synod papers and sermons. As such, the Collection contains original correspondence received by Nuttall and the diocese of Kingston, his diaries, 1866-1916; his letter-books, 1881-1909; his sermons, 1864-1915 as well as a wide assortment of printed and manuscript documents such as synod minutes, ordination papers, church financial papers and memoranda. Letters were written by the Jamaican clergy, Anglican laymen, overseas bishops, the governors of Jamaica including Sir Anthony Musgrave and Sir Henry Norman. Aside from ecclesiastical concerns, the papers relate to topics such as higher education; elementary education; the Lunatic Asylum, 1878; the Penitentiary, 1873-1876; almshouses; the church in British Honduras; selection of bishops for Nassau, 1879 and for Barbados; revivalism in Jamaica, 1882-1883; and overseas missions. Magazines and newspapers include The Jamaica Churchman, The Jamaica Church Chronicle, Gall’s News’ Letter and The Evangelical Churchman. In addition, the collection contains several relics of the Rev. Nuttall. 

There is also a separate file relating to the burial of Rev. Nuttall. Essentially, it is composed of the instructions to persons wishing to attend the funeral as well as plans of it. 

Most of the material is wrapped in brown paper that has not been properly labelled and tied with a string. As such, the label is either missing or does not adequately describe what the brown paper contains.

Bibliographic details: 
The Nuttall Collection is recorded on site at the National Library in the card catalogue. They include MSS numbers 209, 209a, 209d, 209p, 209r and 209s. Inclusive in the Collection also is MS 1799, which is the funeral arrangement of Rev. Nuttall. The Collection is due for cataloguing as soon as resources are available. In addition, the material itself is terribly and inadequately labelled, thereby making it hard to use. 
In addition to the card catalogue, the National Library has started to catalogue material in databases. This will allow for online access, especially where on site access is not conducive.

HISTORY

The Nuttall Collection was handed over to the Institute of Jamaica shortly after the death of the Bishop in May 1916. This was authorised by his wife

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic: 
Efforts are being made to make the card catalogue of the Nuttall Collection user friendly. However, these efforts are ongoing. In addition, steps are being taken to place the details of the Collection on a database that will eventually allow for online access for persons not able to visit the National Library. 

Preservation Plan: The Special Collections and Conservation Dept. provide patrons with gloves when handling the Nuttall Collection, which is in a rather fragile state, resulting from age decay. In addition, the use of strings to tie material folded in brown paper results in the manuscript being eroded where the string has been tied and since they are in general folded, this means that the area where the fold is has decayed. This is terrible because it means that potentially valuable has been lost. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
The Rt. Rev. Enos Nuttall was born in 1842 and came to Jamaica in 1862as a Wesleyan minister. In 1866 he was accepted by the Anglican Church. Nuttall was an assiduous worker. He played an important role in Jamaica. His efforts on behalf of the Sailor’s Home and of the medical relief of the poor resulted in the founding on the Kingston Dispensary. He started and edited a Church Chronicle which was later developed into the “Jamaica Churchman”. In 1869, Rev. Nuttall played a prominent role in improving the image of the Anglican Church in Jamaica and aided by drawing up suggestions for improvement and for the selecting, preparing and appointing the Catechist of the Church of England in Jamaica. Among his many accomplishments, Nuttall founded the Divinity School which later became the Theological College, participated in the inauguration of the Jamaica Agricultural Society and a committee for organising relief for the victims of the 1907 earthquake. The role he played in the development of education is Jamaica is likewise to be acknowledged. In 1881, he was appointed a member of the Jamaica Schools Commission and in 1883 became its chairman. He was chairman of the Board of Directors of Shortwood College and he was instrumental in saving it from extinction. From the brief biography given of Nuttall, one can see that his influence on Jamaican society was indeed tremendous. 

Time
Enos Nuttall came to Jamaica prior to the Morant Bay Rebellion, remained during the imposition of Crown Colony and died during World War One. In addition, Nuttall was in Jamaica during the 1907 earthquake. As such, Nuttall lived during a period of great change and distress. His response to these changes and distresses are significant and the study of the Anglican Church cannot ignore the role of Rev. Nuttall in its overhaul and development. 

Place
The Nuttall Collection contains letters from Jamaicans, Englishmen, persons from other regions of the Caribbean and the world. As such, the Nuttall Collection gives not only an idea of changes in Jamaica but the world at large and as such it is very useful. In addition, the role of Jamaica in the Anglican Church and the role of the Anglican Church in Jamaica are also apparent. 

People
The Nuttall Collection is made up of the letters, sermons, and papers of the Rt. Rev. Enos Nuttall. Letters were written by the Jamaican clergy, Anglican laymen, overseas bishops, the governors of Jamaica including Sir Anthony Musgrave and Sir Henry Norman, persons who could more than be described as movers and shakers in Jamaica. 

Subject/Theme
Religion is a major and recurring theme of the Nuttall Collection. An extremely close second is education. Others include Jamaican society and culture, poverty and finance. 

Form/Style
The style of Nuttall’s sermons is worth studying. They were prepared solely with a view to the message they had to convey and were not based on any desire for rhetorical or literary effect. He held that the truth simply told had its effect, no matter where it was addressed. This style is slowly dying out today and is worth studying for posterity and for the development of theology in Jamaica and the rest of the world. 

Social Value
From the above discussion, it is clear that Nuttall played a big role in the development of the Anglican Church in Jamaica. His involvement in education and his response to crisis cannot be ignored. To study Nuttall therefore is to study the development of Jamaican society. 

Integrity
The Collection is fairly complete. However, due to a lack of funds to adequately preserve and digitise the Nuttall Collection, many of the documents are in a state of decay. 

Rarity
These manuscripts are single and rare. No copies exist elsewhere of the original letters and sermons of the Rt. Rev. Enos Nuttall. 

CONSULTATION

John Aarons
The Government Archivist
C/O The Jamaica Archives
Spanish Town
Jamaica

NOMINATOR

James Robertson
Dept. of History and Archaeology
University of the West Indies
Mona
Kingston 7

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

The Nuttall Collection is on the priority list for organizing. The National Library unfortunately does not possess enough capital to do a complete overhaul of this so very valuable source for the study of the Anglican Church in Jamaica.

Top

THE POSTCARDS COLLECTION

Owner (Name and contact details):
The National Library 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the Postcards Collections lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library. 

Accessibility: The Postcards Collection is available to members of the public for consultation. 

Copyright Status: The National Library has possession of the postcards and due to being widely sold elsewhere, it is doubtful that copyright covers these postcards. 

Responsible Administration: The Postcards Collection is located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library and responsible administration for the collection lies with the Executive Director. 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory: 
There are approximately 1036 postcards in the Postcards Collection. Some postcards, particularly, the older ones are published in black and whites, the others in colour. The postcards cover a variety of subjects relating to Jamaica; most noteworthy are agriculture, building, cities, people, housing, the 1907 earthquake, coasts and beaches, social life and customs and picturesque sights/sites. There are however, about 58 postcards which were included in the collection that are not about Jamaica. They depict scenery from Jerusalem, Egypt, Bethlehem, Mount Sinai, India and London. Their focus is mainly on religious sites, scenery and imagery, though there are pictures of national sites in Britain. Likewise there are two postcards of other Caribbean islands including the Courthouse and War Memorial in Nevis and a harbour in St. Thomas in the Danish Virgin Islands (now the American Virgin Islands). 

Bibliographic details:
The Postcard Collection is housed within a file drawer in Special Collections and is organised, alphabetically, by subject groups, some of which are named above. The theme of each picture, etc is filed under the appropriate subject heading. 

Visual documentation: 
Some postcards have been copied in film and are available in the photograph collection. 

HISTORY

Quite a few postcards were donated by Pat Dunn in 1967. Over the years the collection has been enhanced by the contributions of private persons.

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic: 
The postcards are filed alphabetically in broad subject headings. The Collection is, however, still being reorganised. 

Preservation Plan: 
The National Library and in particular, the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. urges patrons to use the postcards with care, thereby ensuring its preservation for future generations. In addition, some of the postcards have been copied to film, thereby ensuring their posterity. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
The Postcards Collection is useful for a visual study of early twentieth century Jamaica, particularly the effects of the 1907 earthquake, the economy, society and culture of early Jamaica. Visual representation is given of the housing of the Jamaican working class, their dress, mode of transport to market (which was mainly riding the donkey), the cities that they dwelled in and the jobs that they did. There are also pictures of early infrastructure of Jamaica, buildings, harbours, forts, etc. 

Time
The Postcard Collection starts circa 1900 and goes to about 1970. This period covers a critical part of Jamaican history. Of significance is the 1907 earthquake. Postcards were made of newspaper clippings, pictures of structural damage to buildings and the before and after photos of the town of Kingston. Postcards pictured the refugee camps, the utter destruction of Kingston. 

Place
The Postcard Collection is fairly evenly distributed across the island of Jamaica. Pictures are taken of cities, rural towns and coastal areas. As such, being a visual representation of the times, the postcard is a useful tool in studying change over time. The town of Montego Bay is one of the most poignant. Pictures of it circa mid twentieth century are nothing compared to what it looks like today. In addition, pictures taken of persons in the rural areas help researchers in piecing together how they lived, and travelled. 

People
Most of the photos and paintings that are in the Collection depict the Jamaica working class. Of particular note are the sugar workers, the tea packers, the market and street side vendors, pimento pickers and packers and ginger dryers. The Collection is useful for the study of these persons as it depicts also their housing, dress and way of life. Of note also are the pictures of the owners of plantations beside their houses. In one picture two women of African descent are washing and the artist inserts a conversation bubble where one says to the other “We wash massa clothes good”. As such the collection in this instance brings to the fore the class differences between white and black that was prevalent during this time in Jamaica’s history. 
Criterion 5, Subject/Theme: The Postcard Collection covers a broad spectrum of subjects, some of which have been discussed above. These include religion, architecture, art, history, economy, society, nature and culture. 

Form/Style
One style that is striking in the postcards is the use of conversation bubbles. These are inserted by the artist and his impression of the people he depicts is important in bringing to the fore his own prejudice, and by extension the prejudice of other persons in the Jamaican society. Some postcards are pictures taken by camera, others are drawn and painted. Noteworthy are the representations of the 1907 earthquake which was at times composed of newspaper clippings. This brought to the fore the sheer horror and magnitude of the earthquake and this style was useful to bring this feeling of immediacy to the fore. 

Social Value
The Postcard Collection is socially valuable in the study of the life of early Jamaicans. The poor generally leaves less documentary evidence than the rich and often could not afford to take pictures of a casual nature. The Postcard Collection rights this by showing these persons going about their everyday lives, how they dressed, where they lived and what they did for a living is portrayed. In addition, for the sake of the study of change over time, the postcard collection gives a vivid portrayal of this, showing before and after the 1907 earthquake, the pictures of cities such as Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Mandeville and Port Antonio. 

Integrity
The Postcard Collection is in general well preserved, being documents of the twentieth century. 

Rarity
The Postcard Collection fills a visual gap in the history of Jamaica and is therefore unique. However, these are postcards that were widely sold in Jamaica. However, the likelihood of several postcards of this nature being preserved in one place is indeed rare and unique. 

CONSULTATION

The National Library
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

NOMINATOR

James Robertson
Dept. of History and Archaeology
University of the West Indies
Mona
Kingston 7

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Though the postcard collection is in a very good state at the moment, there is the need to digitise/film this collection. This would preserve it for posterity because it is indeed a useful tool for the study of Jamaica and no collection contains such a broad range of subject groups.

Top

PROTECTOR OF IMMIGRANTS, INDEX TO EMIGRANT PASSES

In 1879 the Island Secretary Office was abolished and its records and most of its functions transferred to the Island Records Office which was established under the Island Records Law of that year. Most of the surviving records of the Island Secretary Office are now in the custody of the Jamaica Archives & Records Department. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA 

Influence
This document, as well as the emigrant passes held at the national archives has been used by many researchers who are interested in garnering personal information about the Indian indentured labourers. While thousands of persons came to Jamaica in this capacity, documents such as these offer researchers a break down of the mass of numbers of persons, allowing them to ascertain, place of origin, name, and at times, next of kin and alternative destination in the Caribbean (say British Guiana or Trinidad). In particular this index is an efficient reference point for those interested in using emigrant passes that are stored in the archives. These are numerous and many, being single sheets of paper, are tattered and sometimes illegible. They are also organized according to the ship name, and therefore serve a greater purpose of organizing the emigrant passes. 

Time/place
Tthe information in this document spans the first 16 years of the 20th century. It therefore spans the years of the most vigorous transportation of east Indians to the island. 

People
The focus is on the Indian indentured labourers. Their experiences have been written about from a variety of perspectives, including gender, economic activities, contribution to Jamaican culture and society and their interaction with other ethnic groups present in the island. They are not numerically dominant group in Jamaica but have influenced its culture, food and demography to a great extent. 

Form/Style
This document is a bound volume, that is largely hand written and quite legible. The names are written in a list under the heading of emigrant passes, date, and the ship they traveled on. 

Social Value
This document is one which allows for a starting point for any research on the Indian presence in Jamaica. Those persons from East Indian lineage who are interested in tracing their genealogy would do well to use this document. For other historians or researchers it allows for a qualitative as well as quantitative study of the Indian presence in Jamaica. 

Integrity
The documents are original records of names compiled from the emigrant passes. 

Rarity
This forms a part of a larger set of documents under the heading ‘Protector of Immigrants’. It is however, the only such compilation of names of indentured labourers according to the vessel that carried them to Jamaica, and is therefore rare to that extent. There is also only one known copy of this document in the island. 

MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Preservation Plan
The Archive takes special precautions to safeguard the quality of its collections, by instructing patrons in the proper techniques when using the documents. Patrons are not allowed to use pens in the reading room, and are sometimes offered magnifying glasses if the material is hard to decipher. Proper handling of these records is stressed. The Archive has embarked on a 5 year plan to microfilm all its collections, particularly older ones and those that are deteriorating with time. However the completion of this is contingent on funding. 

CONSULTATION

John Aarons
53-56 Church street
Kingston 

Tel: 922 3705-6

NOMINATOR
Jamaica Archives

Top

RECORD BOOK OF THE COURT OF ST. ANN, 1787-1814

Owner (Name and contact details): 
The National Library 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567

Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public 

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the Record Book of the Court of St. Ann lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library where it forms part of the Manuscript Collection.
 
Accessibility: The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann is available to members of the public for consultation, in particular, researchers and academics. 

Copyright Status: The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann was microfilmed by the National Library in 1985 and authority for use of the images lie with the National Library. 

Responsible Administration: The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann is located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library of Jamaica and responsible administration for the collection lies with the Executive Director. 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory: 
The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann consists of one microfilm reel totalling 383 pages. The microfilm is very pale and the damage made to the original is obvious in terms of the watermarks that exist which prevent sections of the Record Book being seen. The Record Book consists of a case relating to the theft of pimento on the Mt. Pleasant Plantation and the record of the proceeding of a slave court. The microfilm contains affidavits of eyewitness reports and summaries and transcripts of court proceedings. Particular cases include enslaved persons charged with killing hogs, murder of and by enslaved persons and marronage. The Record Book notes the ruling of the Court and the sentences handed down. These sentences were often severe and the courts presided over by white Justices of the Peace whose occupations included merchants and planters. 

Bibliographic details: 
The bibliographic details of the Record Book of the Court of St. Ann are housed within the card catalogue at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library. The Ledger is filed under MS 273. 

HISTORY

The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann was presented to the Institute of Jamaica by the Parochial Board of St. Ann in 1922.

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic:
Steps are being taken to place the details of the Record Book of the Court of St. Ann on a database that will eventually allow for online access for persons unable to visit the National Library. 
Preservation Plan: The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann has been microfilmed, the original being withdrawn from public viewing, being in too poor a condition for the use of patrons. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann is of tremendous social value to Jamaica’s history. The Record book is in the main made up of the transcripts of the trials of enslaved people. Oftentimes, their so called crimes were merely expressions of resistance against an ignoble regime and as a result, a study of the Record Book would be useful in a study of slave resistance, punishment and justice. 

Time
The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann covers the period of enslavement in Jamaica’s history, from 1787 to 1914. In addition, it includes the date for the abolition of the slave trade and the Record Book would reveal if any steps were taken to mitigate the terrible conditions under which the enslaved people struggled. 

Place
The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann covers the parish of St. Ann, in Jamaica. 

People
The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann consists of enslaved testimonies and the views of the white jurors and Justices of the Peace. The Record Book in therefore of invaluable worth when studying the enslaved people. Very few records of their voices are left and the Record Book of the Court of St. Ann is one of those few surviving sources. 

Subject/Theme
Researchers interested in slave society and economy of Jamaica will find the Record Book of the Court of St. Ann especially useful. Other issues include justice, punishment, resistance and domination. 

Form/Style
The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann contains the voices of the enslaved people. However, the recorders were not the enslaved people and as such, bias and misunderstanding crops up in the Record Book. Persons interested in the study of subaltern voices will find the Record Book of the Court of St. Ann a rare treasure. 

Social Value
The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann is of tremendous social and historical value, being one of the rare sources that brings to light the voices and conditions of the enslaved African people. Likewise the bias of the white ruling class is revealed by this record book and the injustice of the system of enslavement. 

Integrity
The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann contains one fairly intact. However, the microfilm is very pale and at times the script is illegible. The damage to the original, in terms of watermarks, also contributes to the illegibility of some sections of the Record Book. In addition, there are at least six pages (three leaves) missing from the microfilm. It seems that they have been destroyed by the poor handling of the original. The leaves cannot be repaired and results in a gap in the transcript. 

Rarity
The National Library possesses the only copy of Record Book of the Court of St. Ann in Jamaica. It is doubtful whether this exists elsewhere in the world. 

CONSULTATION

The National Library
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567
Email: nlj@infochan.com

John Aarons
The Government Archivist
C/O The Jamaica Archives
Spanish Town
Jamaica

NOMINATOR

James Robertson
Dept. of History and Archaeology
University of the West Indies
Mona
Kingston 7

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

The Record Book of the Court of St. Ann is on microfilm, the original being in so poor a condition that it had to be withdrawn from public usage. However, the microfilm is very pale and at times undecipherable. It is unsure how this can be remedied.

Top

Records of the Gibraltar Refugee Camp

Name of documentary heritage: Records of the Gibraltar Refugee Camp
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: West Indies 
Address (location of doc): Jamaica Archives, Corner of King and Manchester Streets, Spanish Town. 

Legal Information

Owner: The Jamaica Archives 

Custodian: The National Archivist 

Legal Status: These records are accessible to the public, to be used at the National Archives. There are no restrictions on their use within the purview of proper treatment of the documents.

Details of legal and administrative provision for the preservation of the Documentary heritage

Accessibility: Like all other Archival holdings, it cannot be removed from the Clinton Black Reading Room, the central reading room in the Jamaica Archives. 

Copyright Status: These documents which came under the purview of the Colonial Secretary’s Office (CSO) are separate documents organized in files. They mainly consist of correspondences and reports on various topics to do with the refugee camp. The CSO files can be copied, digitized or used to take notes. However, credit must be given to the Archives and the exact references provided each time the information is reproduced.

Responsible administration: Responsibility for the collection is with the Government Archivist. 

IDENTIFICATION

Description: Being various files, the Refugee camp documents take the following forms:

• Census of Gibraltar Camp Evacuees taken at Gibraltar camp
• The cost of erection of the Gibraltar Camp 
• Insurance on Building and Motor Vehicles in the camp and a plan of the camp 
• Information on storm damage and repairs 
• Accounts for the years 1940/41, and 1943, and to 1947 
• A list of Dutch refugees 
• Estimates and lodgings for refugees 

More specifically, the Census of Gibraltarians includes useful information on the evacuees that the camp held. It is a single bound volume which includes the hut number, room number, name and sex of each refugee. The married status and position in family as well as the date and place of birth of the Gibraltarian is also included in this document. It also gives an idea of the address of the family in Gibraltar and the name of the person in Gibraltar who was in charge of their belongings that were left behind. Information on dependency on persons in Gibraltar was also required as well as the evacuees trade or employment in Gibraltar among other vital information. 

The collection also includes a plan of the camp. It shows the camp consisting of long rows of wooden huts each with an identifying number to serve as a street location. The camps were surrounded by a wire fence. The overall size of the camp was 252 acres and was divided into two camps and a hospital. 

Bibliographic Details: The documents are in separate files. They are indexed in the general CSO indices at the Archives, but are not grouped according to topic in these indices. 

HISTORY

The files span the life of the camp, from 1940 to 1947. These returns would have been handed over to the National Archives after 1953, when a committee was appointed specifically for the archives as a section of the Island Record Office, established in 1879, following the passing of the Island Records Law (law 6 of 1879). 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA 

Influence
Suzanne Francis-Brown in her work “Mona Past and Present” informs us that it was the Gibraltar camp that enabled the University College of the West Indies to open to undergraduates in October 1948. Up to that time, there were no plans for a new campus. As a result, the importance of the camp to the history of the University of the West Indies is poignant and can be traced through these documents. 

Place
The Mona estates were earmarked as a safe haven for European exiles during WWII. The estates, which did not engage in large scale production as in previous years, were to house up to 9000 persons for war torn Gibraltar and Malta from 1940. It included a hospital, schools, shops, churches, Convent, offices, and police quarters, and a room to act as a synagogue and kosher kitchen. 

People/Time
The documents are most important as a study of people who were not Jamaicans, but who were given a safe haven in the island during a most turbulent time in history. The first set of evacuees, 1,104 arrived in Jamaica October 24, 1940. In total over 3000 European evacuees, occupied the camp built for approximately 7000. Jewish, Finnish and Dutch refugees also joined the camp in 1942. This number included Gibraltarian babies born in the camp. Internees were also housed in the camp. Roman Catholic nuns and priests were also a part of the staff members in the camp and they were primarily involved with the mainly Roman Catholic evacuees. The management of the camp was in the hands of a Mr. E. A. Rae, and was run by Commandant, Major Henry Simms. The Gibraltarians arrived home on October 26 1944. Some Jamaican women who married Gibraltarian men went back to Gibraltar as well. The camp also housed internees for families of German and Italian families, previously housed at Up Park camp. 

Social Value
The study of these documents gives an insight into a little known connection between Jamaican people and those from European nations that historically had very little contact with the Caribbean territories. It also forms part of a wider history of the Mona area and the University campus which is now its home. 

Integrity
The CSO documents which make up this collection are authentic, original documents in their files and original binding. 

Rarity
These documents are not known to exist anywhere else, as all the known Gibraltar camp documents were deposited to the archives via the Island Records Office. 

MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Preservation Plan:
The Jamaica Archives takes special precautions to safeguard the quality of its collections, by instructing patrons in the proper techniques when using the documents. Patrons are not allowed to use pens in the reading room, and are sometimes offered magnifying glasses if the material is hard to decipher. Proper handling of these records is stressed. The Archives has embarked on a 5 year plan to microfilm all its collections, particularly older ones and those that are deteriorating with time. However the completion of this is contingent on funding. 

CONSULTATION

John Aarons 
53-56 church street
Kingston 

Tel: 922 3705-6

NOMINATOR

Jamaica Archives 

Top

Registers of Returned Slaves

ABSTRACT

These documents are essentially a return or list of the number, class and conciliation of slaves held by each slave owner made in accordance with “An Act for a more particular return of slaves in the island and the enrolment thereof”. This law was passed on the 11 December 1816 to commence its operation from 28 June, 1817. this was not specific to Jamaica, as the British colonies in the Caribbean were required to register their enslaved people under this law. 

IDENTITY AND LOCATION 

Name of documentary heritage: Registers of Returns of Slaves
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: West Indies 
Address (location of doc): Jamaica Archives, Corner of King and Manchester Streets, Spanish Town

Legal Information

Owner: Jamaica Archives 

Custodian: as above 

Legal Status: These records are accessible to the public, to be used at the Archives. There are no restrictions on its use within the preview of proper treatment of the documents.

Details of legal and administrative provision for the preservation of the Documentary heritage:

Accessibility: Like all other Archival holdings, it cannot be removed from the Clinton Black reading room, the central reading room in the Jamaica Archives, but can be used in this reading room by all interested parties. 

Copyright Status: The age and state of many of the paper documents in this collection makes them difficult to reproduce by photocopying, but digitizing under the supervision of archive staff of a selected amount, as well as note taking is permitted. Those that are microfilmed can be reproduced to paper format. 

Responsible administration: Responsibility for the collection is with the government archivist. 

Identification

Description: 
The returns of enslaved people were made every 3 years. These are organized by estate within each parish and each of the volumes listed includes its own index arranged alphabetically by name of the owners or trustees of estates. They exist as bound volumes and also in microfilm format. The collections includes the names, sex, colour, kin and age of all the enslaved persons on that given estate. The volumes also give information as to the increase and decrease of enslaved people since the previous return as well as the reasons for this increase and decrease. The reasons usually include birth and acquisition through sale for increases, and death and sale for the decrease. The lists also give a total list of slaves for the year of the return, and other detailed information in a column for remarks. 

Bibliographic Details: 
According to a list compiled at the Island secretary’s office in 1869 there were 140 volumes of slave returns but the number given in Bell and Parker’s “Guide to West Indians Archive Materials” (1926) is the present one of 141. They are indexed according to owner. 

HISTORY

These returns would have been handed over to the National Archives after 1953, when a committee was appointed specifically for the archives as a section of the Island Record Office, established in 1879, following the passing of the Island Records Law (law 6 of 1879). 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA 

Influence
The act to register slaves itself had indirect influence on many uprisings in the British Caribbean, and in Jamaica in particular. This occurred when word spread among enslaved people that some act or bill had been passed by the King in their favor. Thinking that freedom had been granted to them, and was being withheld by their enslavers, enslaved people reacted in an often violent manner. For instance, in December 1823 the slaves on Argyle and Golden Grove Estates in the parish of Hanover in Jamaica, planned to rebel. Among other dissatisfactions they believed their freedom had been given by the King of England. They planned to set fire to the trash houses at the end of the crop season and kill the horses. The whites were also to be killed and their guns taken away. This registry bill was also one of the contributory factors to the Sam Sharpe led Christmas rebellion in Jamaica 1831-32. 

Time
The returns commenced in 1817 and ended in 1832, two years prior to emancipation in the British Empire. 

Place
These returns which are specific to Jamaica are significant in that they usually include the exact location by parish and estate to which enslaved persons belonged. Therefore one is able to get a picture of the trends of slave ownership by parish and estate in Jamaica. 

People
These documents are specifically geared towards the enslaved people and as such shed light on their condition like few other documents do. Family ties also can be ascertained since the kin of the enslaved people are listed in this collection. In addition, the wealth of the proprietors can be traced since the returns, if used in a sequence show the amount of enslaved people owned by particular persons. 

Social Value
The registry has been used my many researchers to find out detailed information about a persons which have very few written documents surviving to explain their conditions. Demographical trends can be studied from these documents, since the rate of births and deaths of enslaved people are documented in this collection. As such their value to historical research of enslaved people is unmistakable. 

Integrity
These documents are original hand written documents that have been preserved in their original state as well as on microfilm. 

Rarity: These are the only documents of this nature which survive for Jamaica and are one of the only collections that have such detailed information about enslaved people in the 19th century. 

MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Preservation Plan: The archive takes special precautions to safeguard the quality of its collections, by instructing patrons in the proper techniques when using the documents. Patrons are not allowed to use pens in the reading room, and are sometimes offered magnifying glasses if the material is hard to decipher. Proper handling of these records are stressed. The Archive has embarked on a 5 year plan to microfilm all its collections, particularly older ones and those that are deteriorating with time. However the completion of this is contingent on funding. Nonetheless the very early documents in this collection have been microfilmed and patrons are usually given the microfilmed version to use rather than the bound volumes to ensure survival of the original documents. 

CONSULTATION

John Aarons 
53-56 Church street
Kingston 

Tel: (876) 922 3705-6

NOMINATOR

Jamaica Archives

Top

Roger Mais Collection

Roger Mais "Cane Cutters"

“Men of ideas outlive their times
An idea held by such a man does not end with his death
His life bleeding away goes down
Into the earth, and they grow like seed
The idea that is not lost with the waste of a single life
Like seed springing up a multitude”

1.0 Summary (max 200 words)

OVERVIEW

Roger Mais (1905-1955) has been recognised as one of the first postcolonial literary figures to emerge in the former British Empire. His legacy lies in the large quantity of unpublished material left after his untimely death.

He is the quintessential anti-colonial activist whose contribution included literary, political, artistic and journalistic output. His collection covers over 20 years of activism and serves as a chronicle of the birth and development of the anti-colonial, nationalist struggles of the colonised against the coloniser which led to political independence, the creation of a literary tradition and the birth of an artistic  movement.

His activism was manifested through his literary and journalistic writing. His imprisonment for seditious libel in 1944 as a result of his piece, “Now we Know” transformed him into a hero of the anti-colonial struggle in Jamaica.

Mais published just three novels, all of which are considered classics of Caribbean literature. The bulk of his unpublished material has been preserved in the Roger Mais Collection at the University of the West Indies Library Mona. This Collection perpetuates the true legacy of Roger Mais as it is through his published and unpublished material, and his correspondence that prospective researchers are able to access his philosophy and political agenda. It is through the material lodged in the Collection that his development as a writer can be assessed.

The collection’s significance lies in its heterogeneity in presenting the development of a pioneer in postcolonial writing, a member of the vanguard of the anti-colonial and nationalist struggles, and artist.

Karina Williamson states:

The value and importance of the Roger Mais Manuscript Collection at the UWI Library at Mona cannot be overstated. Mais is a major figure not only in Jamaican and Caribbean literary and political history, but in the whole field of postcolonial literature in English. His concern with the real lives of the Jamaican underclass, both urban and rural, had a powerful influence on younger generations of Caribbean writers, while his imprisonment in 1944 for an article condemning British colonialism made him an iconic figure in the struggle for independence. He was posthumously awarded the Order of Jamaica in 1978.

As a literary archive, the collection is exceptionally varied and rich: it represents every aspect of Mais’s writing from narrative fiction, plays and poems to journalism and letters. But it also includes records of his activities from school onwards, thus illustrating his social and political life as well as his literary development (2012).

Williamson, Karina. Personal communication Feb. 2012.

2.0 Nominator

2.1 Name of nominator (person or organization)

Library, The University of the West Indies (Mona)

2.2 Relationship to the nominated documentary heritage

Owner

1) Mrs Leona Bobb-Semple
    Campus Librarian

2) Mrs Frances Salmon
     Head, West Indies and Special Collections

2.4 Contact details

 leona.bobbsemple@uwimona.edu.jm            frances.salmon@uwimona.edu.jm

Name                                                            Address
Mrs Leona Bobb-Semple                               Main Library, The University of the West Indies
                                                                     Mona
                                                                     Kingston 7
                                                                     Jamaica, West Indies.  

Telephone 876  927 0083    Facsimile  876 927 1926    Email main.library@uwimona.edu.jm

2.5 Declaration of authority 

I certify that I have the authority to nominate the documentary heritage described in this document to the International Memory of the World Register.

Signature                                                 Full name (Please PRINT)
                                                               Leona Bobb-Semple
                                                               Campus Librarian
                                                               The University of the West Indies Mona

3.0    Identity and description of the documentary heritage

3.1    Name and identification details of the items being nominated

The Roger Mais Collection

The Roger Mais Collection comprises both published and unpublished material. It is noted for its juxtaposition of literary and political writings reflecting Mais’s twin interests. It includes virtually every literary genre – poetry, short stories, drama, novels, as well as journalistic pieces and pieces on his theory of fiction; in all, over 300 pieces. The Collection is made up of: 87 short stories, 19 plays, 17 radio plays, 7 novels (3 unpublished), 1 unfinished novel, and 1 folder with over 50 poems. Many of the typescripts have been annotated and corrected. In addition 21 handwritten notebooks constituting an important part of the Collection include drafts and fragments illustrating the development of his craft; letters to newspaper editors addressing contemporary social and political events. The Collection also includes newspaper clippings, mainly of Mais’s articles but including other pieces of interest to him: holographs in both pen and pencil; correspondence with overseas publishers, mainly from the United States; correspondence to his literary agents, and personal letters including letters to writers like John Hearne.  The Collection also includes four paintings – two of which form part of the original collection. The other two were acquired by the Library at a later date.

      See attached list  [Appendix I]

3.3 Visual documentation if appropriate (for example, photographs, or a DVD of the documentary heritage)

The Collection has been digitized and may be viewed at:

http://library-contentdm.mona.uwi.edu/cdm4/browse.php?CISOROOT=%2FRMstories.

http://library-contentdm.mona.uwi.edu/cdm4/browse.php?CISOROOT=%2FRMaisPlays

http://library-contentdm.mona.uwi.edu/cdm4/browse.php?CISOROOT=%2FRMPostcards

http://library-contentdm.mona.uwi.edu/cdm4/browse.php?CISOROOT=%2FRMmemorabil

3.4 History/provenance

Roger Mais worked from his home office in Kingston until his hospitalisation and subsequent death in 1955. On his death, his sister Mrs Jesse Taylor took possession of all his papers. She transferred all material to the University of the West Indies Mona Library in 1966. On acquisition Bill Carr, lecturer in the Department of English, UWI listed the Collection. The documents which have been housed in the Rare Book Room of the Library were curated by Dr Daphne Morris in 1978-1979. She indicated that the Collection spans Mais’s entire creative period.

Dissertations

Syriac-Kalai, Sharon. Christ in crisis? : the Africanisation of Christianity in Afro-Jamaican literature, 1954-1964.

M.A. Univesity of the West Indies, St Augustine. 2000.

Books

--- Roger Mais : The Hills were Joyful Together and Brother man. London : Longman, 1978.

Griffith, Glyne A. Deconstruction, imperialism and the West Indian novel
         Kingston : Press University of the West Indies, c1996.

Articles
 

---    “Roger Mais” Twentieth-Century Caribbean and Black African Writers. Second Series. Edited by Bernth Lindfors and Reinhard Sanders. Detroit, London: Gale, 1993: 78-81.

---     “The unborn body of the life of fiction. Roger Mais' aesthetics with
special reference to "Black lightning". Journal of West Indian literature 2. 1(1988): 33-35.

Carr, William I. “Roger Mais: Design from a legend”. Caribbean Quarterly. 13.1(1967): 3-28.

Creary, Jean. “The Prophet armed: The novels of Roger Mais.” The islands in between: Essays on West Indian Literature. Edited by Louis James. London: OUP, 1968: 50-63.

D'Costa, Jean. “Roger Mais's Jamaica : 11 August 1905-15 June 1955.” Jamaica Journal. 29.3: (2006): 6-13.

Ramchand, Kenneth. “Literature and society: The case of Roger Mais”

Caribbean Quarterly. 15.4 (1969): 23-30.

Morris, Daphne. Roger Mais manuscripts in the UWI Library: a portrait of the writer in the making”. Jamaica Library Association of Jamaica Bulletin. (1979-1980): 36-41.

Williamson, Karina. “Reinventing Jamaican History: Roger Mais and George William Gordon.” Beyond the Blood, the Beach & the Banana: new Perspectives in Caribbean Studies. Edited by Sandra Courtman. Kingston: Ian Randle, 2004: 387-406.

--- “ Roger Mais: West Indian Novelist.” Journal of Commonwealth Literature, 2, (1967): 138-47.

3.6 Names, qualifications and contact details of up to three independent people or organizations with expert knowledge about the values and provenance of the documentary heritage

1.Professor Edward Baugh          Professor Emeritus                            edwardbaugh@aol.com

                                                  The University of the West Indies
                                                  Mona

                                                  The University of the West Indies
                                                  Mona

4.0 LEGAL INFORMATION

Name                                                Address

University of the West Indies Mona     Kingston 7, Jamaica, West Indies

Telephone                                         Facsimile

876 927 0083                                     876 927 1926

4.2 Custodian of the documentary heritage (name and contact details if different from the owner)

Name                                   Address

The Collection is owned by the UWI.

The Library’s Preservation Librarian has primary responsibility for the preservation programme and inspects the Collection periodically.

4.4 Accessibility

Describe how the item(s) / collection may be accessed

4.5 Copyright status

Published material is in the public domain. Ownership of the copyright in unpublished material remains with the Estate.

5.1  Authenticity

Mais’s sister transferred all material found in his office to the University of the West Indies Mona Library in 1966. On acquisition by the Library, W.I. Carr, lecturer in the Department of English, UWI listed the Collection. The documents have been housed in the Rare Book Room of the Library and were listed and organised by Dr Daphne Morris in 1978-1979.

5.2  World significance

Although his work was grounded in the Jamaican reality Mais had “discovered the technique of localizing without being merely local. He had learnt that to be truly native is to be truly universal” (Ramchand 1968).

Michael Manley, late Jamaican Prime Minister, in discussing Mais’s contribution to human rights in Jamaica stated that it was through his dramatization of the conditions of the oppressed that he was able to add to the awareness of the public (1968). This awareness was to the condition of the urban poor, most notably the Rastafarians. Mais was the first Jamaican novelist who presented the indigenous Rastafarian religious cult in a favourable light. His novel Brother Man brought to the reading public a positive view of its followers who had been viewed as outcasts.

Lamming, George. (1966) Tribute to Tragic Jamaican Roger Mais Supplement June 10.

Manley, Michael. (1968) The angry egalitarian: Roger Mais and human rights. Lecture at the Creative Arts Centre UWI February 29. Unpublished manuscript P.J. Patterson Collection University of the West Indies Mona. 

Ramchand, Kenneth. (1966) Black Lightening. Roger Mais Supplement June 10.

Walcott, Derek. (1987).The Garden Path: V.S. Naipaul. What the Twilight says: Essays (pp. 121-133) New York: Farrar, Strauss and Giroux.

5.3 Comparative criteria:  

Does the heritage meet any of the following tests? (It must meet at least one of them.)

Time

The Collection encapsulates twenty years (1935-1955) of the nationalist movement in the Caribbean. It reflects the coming of age of the colonial intellectual in the British Empire and signals the birth of what today is referred to as Postcolonial Literature.

The political developments were mirrored by the beginnings of the movement to create an indigenous art as well as literary tradition. Mais’s contributions to the Public Opinion of which he was editor, recorded the political aspects of the nationalist movement.

The period covered by the Collection witnessed the birth of the Peoples National Party of which he was a founding member. It saw the emergence of the Jamaican art movement, reflected in the paintings in the Collection.

The Collection reflects the development of a pioneering writer of postcolonial literature. Its homogeneity reflects the evolution of the writer from the initial stage of mimicking the coloniser to the development of a genre in which the colonised is the protagonist and the setting is that of the common people. Brother man is the first novel in which the nascent Rastafarian religious cult and its adherents appear in a positive light. In the era in which Mais wrote, the Rastafarian was a “feared despised and rejected group” (Brathwaite 1974). 

Brathwaite, Kamau. (1974). Introduction. In Roger Mais Brother Man. London: Heinemann

6.1  Rarity

This collection is unique and irreplaceable. It represents all the documents in Roger Mais’s possession at the time of his death and subsequently donated to the University of the West Indies by his executor. No other Collection exists. Copies of a small part of the Collection have been lodged at our sister campus at St Augustine, Trinidad for consultation by a researcher at that campus

The Collection includes all known material produced by Roger Mais. It includes manuscripts, letters, annotated typescripts, photographs, paintings, and memorabilia which were produced by or belonged to Roger Mais; and represents his thirty years of literary, artistic and political work during the anti-colonial struggle.

7.1 Provide details of consultation about this nomination with the stakeholders in its significance and preservation.

The decision for nomination was made by the Jamaican Committee of the Memory of the World, UNESCO National Commission for UNESCO in 2008. The proposal was submitted to the regional committee and vetted at the Regional Workshop in July 2009.

8.0 Assessment of risk

Detail the nature and scope of threats to this documentary heritage.

There are no obvious threats to the Collection at this time. Its storage is secure from most natural disasters except perhaps earthquake.  Digital copies have been archived.

     YES

The Collection is stored in a climate controlled room with a modern fire protection system. The material is stored in acid free envelopes and enclosures.  The Collection has been digitized to prevent constant handling. Digital masters have also been stored in an electronic vault at the central computing facility of the University of the West Indies, Mona.o

10.0 Any other information

APPENDIX - Annotated Bibliography of Roger Mais Collection in the UWI Library

Updated October 4, 2013 

Top

Tabula Iamaicae Insulae per Edw. Slaney, 1678

Tabula Iamaicae Insulae per Edw. Slaney

ABSTRACT

Edward Slaney’s map of Jamaica was published in 1678. Described by Richard Dunn in Sugar and Slaves as the map that best displays the early topography of Jamaica, Slaney’s map is excruciatingly observant to detail and is very useful for persons wishing to study the history of the settlement of Jamaica, land use and tenure, and the spatial distribution of settlements in Jamaica. In addition, for persons wishing to examine the evolution of Jamaica’s geography and geology over time, Slaney’s map is especially helpful. Slaney’s map displays plantations, estates, mountains, rivers and savannas.

PART A – ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

IDENTITY AND LOCATION

Name of Documentary Heritage: Tabula Iamaicae Insulae per Edw. Slaney, 1678 
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: West Indies 
Address: The National Library of Jamaica, 12 East Street, Kingston 

LEGAL INFORMATION

Owner (Name and contact details): The National Library of Jamaica 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567
Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of Edward Slaney’s Map of Jamaica lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library where it forms part of the Manuscript Collection. 

Accessibility: The Edward Slaney’s Map of Jamaica is available to members of the public for consultation, in particular, researchers and academics. 
Copyright Status: Copyright-free 

Responsible Administration: Edward Slaney’s Map of Jamaica is located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library of Jamaica and responsible administration for the collection lies with the Executive Director of the National Library. 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory: 
Edward Slaney’s Map of Jamaica is very detailed and well preserved, considering its age. On the bottom left hand side, there is a coat of arms; the scale, compass etc are in the bottom middle. In a banner above the map is the title of Slaney’s Map “Tabula Iamaicae Insulae per Edw. Slaney, 1678”. Slaney’s Map is one of the earliest and most comprehensive maps of Jamaica. It demonstrates the mountains, woods, estates, cliffs, coastlines and settlements of Jamaica. The map is surprisingly accurate, considering it was drawn over 300 years ago and only 23 years after the settlement of Jamaica. According to Richard Dunn, “Slaney shows the many rivers, particularly numerous along the north coast where rainfall is heaviest…Slaney also shows the mountain ranges crisscrossing the island…There is also a great deal of flat land in Jamaica, marked as savannas on Slaney’s map.” 

Bibliographic details:
The Bibliographic details of Slaney’s Map of Jamaica is provided on site in the card catalogue at the Special Collection and Conservations Dept. of the National Library. Likewise, its details are being placed in a database that can be accessed at the National Library. In time, this database will be put online, where it will become easily accessible to persons unable to visit the National Library. 
Visual Documentation: A miniature copy of Slaney’s Map of Jamaica is displayed in Richard Dunn’s Sugar and Slaves. 

HISTORY

Edward Slaney’s Map of Jamaica was published in London in 1678. 

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic: Bibliographic details of Slaney’s Map of Jamaica are available in the card catalogue, which is on site at the National Library’s Special Collection and Conservations Dept. In addition, efforts are being made to place these details in a database, which will eventually become available to persons online who are unable to visit the National Library. 

Preservation Plan: Edward Slaney’s Map of Jamaica is overall very well preserved. Patrons are advised to use gloves when consulting this manuscript. In addition, the map is stored in an acid free folder. The map will be digitized at a later date. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
Slaney’s Map of Jamaica has had a great influence on the history of Jamaica. Richard Dunn, author of Sugar and Slaves notes that Slaney’s map is the best map that depicts the early topography of Jamaica. Slaney’s map has been used by historians seeking to reconstruct the spatial distribution of the early white settlers. One notable observation made from the map is that many of the settlements were mostly located along the coast. However, in the south, there is clear evidence that the white settlers were moving inwards. In contrast, in the western portion of Jamaica, the settlements were along the coast. Slaney noted rivers, mountains etc and as such persons studying the evolution of Jamaica’s topography would find this map useful because it is so detailed. 

Time and Place
Slaney’s map was drawn in 1678 and as such it is only 23 years after the conquest of Jamaica by the English in 1655. As such, Slaney’s map gives an idea of the settlement patterns of these early settlers and the changes that have been made since then. It also displays the fact that these men must have explored their new territory. In essence, Slaney’s map shows how developed Jamaica was after her conquest. 

People
Though there were some Africans among the early settlers, for the most part these persons were Europeans. A study of the map drawn by Slaney therefore is in essence the study of these persons. 

Subject/Theme
Slaney’s Map of Jamaica is useful for persons studying the economic and social history of Jamaica. Likewise persons interested in geography and geology will find this map useful. 

Form/Style
The map is consistent with 17th century style. However, Slaney’s map is extremely detailed for the time, including mountain ridges, rivers and settlements. As such persons interested in early map-making and drawing should consult Slaney’s map. 

Social Value
Edward Slaney’s Map of Jamaica possesses tremendous social value. Dunn notes that it is one of the best maps to consult for the early topography of Jamaica because it is so detailed. 

Integrity
Edward Slaney’s Map of Jamaica is in very good order. However, though all sites and areas of Jamaica are represented, some are unnamed. 

Rarity
A copy of Slaney’s Map is held by the John Carter Brown Library at Brown University in Providence. This is where Dunn obtained the copy of the map he used in his text. However, the copy in the National Library is that owned by Jamaica and is important for citizens and scholars wishing to examine it. 

CONSULTATION

Dr. James C. Robertson
Department of History and Archaeology
University of the West Indies, Mona
Jamaica.

NOMINATOR

National Library of Jamaica

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

Edward Slaney’s Map of Jamaica, 1678 is well preserved considering its age. Acid free folders have reduced corrosion. Some repair however has been made as the original paper has been glued with special glue unto rice paper. The map itself is in good order. 

Top

The Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection

Walter Adolphe Roberts

ABSTRACT

The Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection appears to have been one that was formed by the namesake of the collection from his adolescence until his death in 1962. The Collection is mainly comprised of family documents, correspondence, photographs, scrapbooks (newspaper clippings, etc.), lectures, broadcasts, articles and book reviews, literary manuscripts, papers and documents concerning various organizations with which W. A. Roberts was connected and miscellaneous historical documents and papers which may have belonged originally to contemporary writers and historians closely associated with him. Persons interested in studying and researching Jamaica’s intellectual and literary history and developments in the late 19th and early 20th centuries will find the Collection especially useful, as Roberts was in touch with and formed part of the budding intelligentsia of Jamaica. 

PART A – ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

IDENTITY AND LOCATION

Name of Documentary Heritage: The Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection 
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: The Caribbean 
Address: The National Library of Jamaica, 12 East Street, Kingston 

LEGAL INFORMATION

Owner (Name and contact details): The National Library 
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567
Email: nlj@infochan.com

Custodian: As above 

Legal Status: Public 

Details of Legal and Administrative provisions for the preservation of the documentary heritage: Responsibility for the care, preservation and use of the Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection lies with the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library where it forms part of the Manuscript Collection. 

Accessibility: The W. A. Roberts Collection is available to members of the public for consultation, in particular, researchers and academics. 

Copyright Status: The collection was handed over as a gift to the Institute of Jamaica;the collection is not covered by copyright. 

Responsible Administration: The W. A. Roberts Collection is located at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library ofJamaica and responsible administration for the collection lies with the Executive Director of the National Library . 

IDENTIFICATION

Description and inventory: The Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection consists of 25 document boxes containing family papers, correspondence, newspaper clippings, lectures, broadcasts, photographs, articles, book reviews, literary manuscripts, papers and documents concerning various Jamaican organisations and miscellaneous historical documents and papers, belonging to various contemporary writers and historians associated with W. A. Roberts. 

The collection consists of books, magazines, periodicals, prints, photographs which are being organized and with items being placed in acid free folders.

W. A. Roberts’ social circle was very wide and as such his correspondence was extensive. He wrote to and received letters from persons including Clara Maude Garret and Lily Garrett, Edna and Norman Manley and W. A. Domingo. Though some letters were hand written, the majority were typed. Besides letters, the correspondence also includes a sizeable collection of postcards as well. These postcards are stored with the photograph collection and main subjects include miscellaneous paintings, Spanish National costumes, Versailles, Natural History, Havana, British Museum, Rome, Paris and Nice.

The collection also contains many mundane items including payments made to or from Roberts. In addition, bank statements and checks, belonging to Roberts are also included, as are telephone bills. 

The Scrapbooks date from c. 1903 to 1961 and broadly covers the artistic, literary, political, journalistic and general interests of W. A. Roberts. Others however, are ordinary hard cover texts. In general, the pages are thick but fragile due to aging and at times the work of insects is clearly discerned. The scrapbooks are comprised of many clippings from newspapers, periodicals and other sources. The subject matters include: Jamaican self government, nature sketches of Jamaica, Simon Bolivar, the French West Indies, West Indian leaders, Jamaica in the Old Days, women (of which Roberts seemed to have an aesthetic fascination) and Puerto Rico.

The Collection contains photographs which are properly labelled by subjects and all related ones are placed in acid free folders. Many of the photographs are centred on Roberts, either of himself, or places where he resided; pictures that were to go in his autobiography or pictures of his friends and family. 

Bibliographic details: The bibliographic details of the Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection are on site on card catalogue at the Special Collections and Conservation Dept. of the National Library. It is filed under MS. 353. 

Visual Documentation: The National Library has a bust of W. A. Roberts on display.

HISTORY

The Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection was presented to the library shortly after his death.

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Bibliographic: Steps are being taken to place the details of the Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection on a database that will eventually allow for online access for persons not able to visit the National Library. Furthermore, ongoing work is being done to the collection itself to sort, list and label the boxes and the contents.

Preservation Plan: The work on this collection is in progress. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA

Influence
The Collection concerns a man who had a great influence on Jamaican development, both historically and culturally. He was also a great literary figure in Jamaica’s history. From the above one can see that his circle was as wide as it was influential in the development of Jamaica’s history; Norman and Edna Manley being among his acquaintances as were other members of the later formed People’s National Party, Jamaica’s current ruling political party. Walter Adolphe Roberts was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on the 15th October, 1886. He was a journalist, poet, novelist, historian and political thinker. Roberts was privately educated at home, largely by his father who had been a silk merchant in China before coming to Jamaica. In 1902, Roberts became a reporter on the staff of the Daily Gleaner. Later he was war correspondent for the Brooklyn Daily Herald from 1914 to 1917, and after that edited several American periodicals. He founded a branch of the Jamaica Progressive League in New York in 1936 and another of the League of Jamaica until 1949, when he soon became prominent in cultural activities. He quickly became editor of the Pioneer Press and President of the Jamaica Historical Society. The range of his publications was wide, ranging from poetry and novels to history and biography. W. A. Roberts was a nationalist who believed that Jamaica was more than a mere petty British colony. He predicted that the country would play a very important role in the future and that her past was glorious. Roberts passed away in 1962. 

Time
The Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection spans the generation before him, containing family papers of his grandparents, parents and other relatives and friends. As such, persons interested in the study of Jamaica in the 19th and early to mid-20th centuries will find this collection useful. Roberts was a part of the budding Jamaican intelligentsia and as such he was involved in organisations that steered Jamaica’s development e.g. the Jamaica Progressive League. He knew the founder of the People’s National Party, Norman Manley. Additionally, the Collection spans the period of the search for a Jamaican common identity, the era of decolonisation and federation. This was a ripe time for many political thinkers to be right on the scene and that Roberts and his friends certainly were. 

Place
The Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection covers documents from Jamaica, Europe and Latin America. This is due to the fact that Roberts’ circle of acquaintances spanned several continents. In addition, he was once described as a man with cosmopolitan tastes and interestingly, Roberts was greatly influenced by Latin America and France. 

People
The Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection contains correspondences with persons such as Clara Maude Garret and Lily Garrett, Frank Cundall Edna and Norman Manley and W. A. Domingo. The three latter were influential in Jamaica’s politics and economy. In addition, Roberts was in touch with many other influential and international historical and political thinkers such as J. L. Ragatz and Eric Williams. Thus the W. A. Roberts Collection provides an additional source for the study of these persons. 

Subject/Theme
Politics and academia are recurring themes of the collection. The historical progress of Jamaica can also be studied as also the West Indies Federation, the World Wars, Jamaica’s public and political affairs. 

Form/Style
The manuscripts of Roberts’ works are worth examining especially since his style fused Latin American and French influences. Likewise, his work in prose and poetry are also interesting. 

Social Value
From the above discussion, it is clear that the Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection is of social value. Roberts played an important role in the development of Jamaica’s academic community. His acquaintances with whom he often communicated were influential in the Jamaican society and political landscape. 
Integrity: The Collection is fairly complete and though part of the collection has been sorted and preserved in acid free boxes, the rest is yet to be done. 

Rarity
These manuscripts are single and rare. No copies exist elsewhere of the Walter Adolphe Roberts Collection. 

CONSULTATION

The National Library
12 East Street
Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-1526, 967-2516
Fax: (876) 922-5567
Email: nlj@infochan.com

NOMINATOR

James Robertson
Dept. of History and Archaeology
University of the West Indies
Mona
Kingston 7

PART B

ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT

The Walter Aldophe Roberts Collection is in fairly good order, being sorted and preserved in acid free folders. Nevertheless, due to aging, some of the material is rather brittle and fragile and as such, it would be recommended that this material within a few years be digitised to preserve it for posterity. The map of the City of Kingston, located in the photograph collection needs to be restored because though in acid free folder, it has torn along the creases where it was originally folded.

Top

Worthy Park Estate Collection

Name of documentary heritage: Worth Park Estate Collection
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: Caribbean 
Address (location of doc): Jamaica Archives, Corner of King and Manchester Streets, Spanish Town. 

Legal Information

Owner: Worthy Park Estate/Jamaica Archives 

Custodian: The National Archivist 

Legal Status: This is a privately owned collection that is accessible to the public, to be used at the National Archives. There are no restrictions on its use within the purview of proper treatment of the documents. 

Details of legal and administrative provision for the preservation of the Documentary heritage:

Accessibility: The Collection at the Archives is available for research by historians and other researchers. Patrons of the archives are required to sign books explaining the purpose of research and contact details. There are no other requirements for use of this particular collection. Like all other Archival holdings, it cannot be removed from the Clinton Black Reading Room, the central reading room in the Jamaica Archives. One volume of the collection is noted by Kenneth Ingram as being separated from the collection and is now in the Library of Congress and includes 14 coloured manuscript plans of Worthy Park estate and adjoining lands, 1715-1834, and can also be found in the PRO, London (map collection MPGG 56). 

Copyright Status: The age of many of the documents in this collection makes them difficult to reproduce by photocopying, but digitizing under the supervision of archive staff of a selected amount, as well as note taking, is permitted. However, credit must be given to the Archives and the exact references provided each time the information is reproduced.

Responsible administration: Responsibility for the collection is with the Government Archivist. 

Identification

Description: The index for the worthy park records include a detailed breakdown of the collection and include 

Plantation books: Worthy Park plantation books: 1783-1845, Mickleton Plantation Books, 1836-7, Thetford Plantation Book 1798-1808, Worthy Park Wage Records 1846-1970, Worthy Park Management Records, 1846-1970,Worthy Park Financial Statements, 1926-70, Statistical Data from research Dept, Meteorological reports, Miscellaneous deeds and map fragments, Fred Clark’s Diaries 1915-32

Production Books: Worthy Park Production Book 1791, Cane Book 1935, Gang Weight Book 1946-47

Stock: Worthy Park Still House Book 1886-93, Stores Book1930-31 and 34-35, Tool Book: 1932-34

Accounts: pay bills Worthy Park 1842-1944 (84 volumes in all) 

Swansea Estate: (30) 1893-1928 

Accounts: General Worthy Park Wages 1839, Abstracts of wages 1864-78, Expenses abstract 1884-95, Expenses, accounts and production 1875-77, Rent accounts 1869-77, Rent book 1901-05, (Thetford and Swansea included- adjoining estates which ever eventually incorporated into Worthy Park in 1874 and1881and respectively), Account book including Talbot’s notes 1876-82, Cash book 1898-1906, Expenditure, and receipts book 1932-34, Thetford: workmen’s day book 1839-40, Albion estate: abstract of wages 1923-24.

Bibliographic Details: Kenneth Ingram’s “Sources of Jamaican History” makes reference to the Worthy Park collections, and many historians who have worked on slavery in Jamaica make reference to its contents. In particular however, the ground breaking book “A Jamaican Plantation The history of Worthy Park 1670-1970” by Michael Craton and James Walvin (London and New York: W H Allen 1970) has specifically utilized the Worthy Park collections among other documents to reconstruct the history of the estate and its significance to Jamaica and the study of slavery in general. 

HISTORY
The Worthy Park collection was donated in the 1960s, and has been open to public use since that time.

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA 

Influence: The mandate left by the original owners of the estate to preserve its plantation records was continued by subsequent proprietors, and or managers of the estate, where some if not all of the estates records are still preserved. The records include details about tools given out and returned to the estate, description of the tools, to whom given, date taken and date returned, ledgers of the crop production, number of hogsheads of sugar, market rate for the crop, weight of the sugar, who it was sold to and date when it was sold. It also includes the increase and decrease of enslaved people even for periods before slave registration was mandatory (i.e. pre 1817). It gives the name of these people as well as their sex and occasionally their kin. It has information to do with whites employed on the estate, when employed, when discharged salaries and job description and vestry accounts including: enslaved people, whites, runaways. It illuminates the very foundation of West Indian slave societies and gives good insight into the effect of emancipation on sugar estates and production. 

Time
The documents span a time of 1783 to 1970. The estate itself though, began operations from the 1600s and still exists today, in the 21st century. 

Place
Worthy Park is in the parish of St Catherine in the vicinity of Ewarton in Jamaica: it is a lush green area surrounded by blue-green mountains. This is the vale of Lluidas, which is dominated by the estate of Worthy Park. The estate grew over time when Lord Shrewsbury’s purchased nearby Swansea in 1874. Then in 1881, the vale’s most vigorous hilly estate, Thetford, was purchased from the government and incorporated into Worthy Park. 

People
This vale was first taken by the first English settlers in 1670, but was first populated by Juan De Bolas and his band of Spanish maroons. It was patented by Francis Price and was named by him. He was believed to be an officer in the regiment of Colonel Anthony Buller. It changed hands over time, and was associated with families like the Talbots, Calders and the Clarkes. The estate also grew over time when Lord Shrewsbury’s purchased nearby Swansea in 1874. 

Social Value
The value of these records is unmistakable as they are of historical interest or for the edification of historians and researchers as functional records of their time. These historical records give pertinent information about plantation life, business connections and transactions of a typical sugar plantation. It gives just as much insight into the tasks of the managers and proprietors of the estate as the enslaved people who were the backbone of its profitability. 

Integrity
The documents are original records. They are stored together at the archives, apart from the map collection at the PRO, London. They reflect the writing style, and record keeping of the time they were produced. Though they are separate documents, there is continuity in terms of date, and topics. 

Rarity
There is an increased consciousness of the need for preserving the records of the past with regard to Jamaica’s early history. The poor storage of these records during slavery, as well as the ravages of time have meant that very few plantation records have been preserved to this day in any useable form. In many cases these records are missing, disjointed, water-stained, the writing is faded and the papers have rot. Worthy Park is among a small number of plantation records that have been deposited in their holistic and original form. Price, manager of Worthy Park in the late 18th century, specifically gave directions for the estate’s records to be kept seeing that the “books of the estates are the only Records by which future generations can inform themselves of the management of Plantations”. 

MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Bibliographic: The records have been well utilized and therefore ‘preserved’ in Craton and Walvin’s book. In terms of the Jamaica Archives the collection is well indexed in their private index, and some aspects of the work have been microfilmed, particularly the very old records. 

Preservation Plan: The archive takes special precautions to safeguard the quality of its collections, by instructing patrons in the proper techniques when using the documents. Patrons are not allowed to use pens in the reading room, and are sometimes offered magnifying glasses if the material is hard to decipher. Proper handling of these records is stressed. The archive has embarked on a 5 year plan to microfilm all its collections, particularly older ones and those that are deteriorating with time. However the completion of this is contingent on funding. 

CONSULTATION 

John Aarons
53-56 Church street
Kingston 

Tel: (876) 922 3705-6

NOMINATOR

Jamaica Archives

Top

Worthy Park Estate - Plan of Cane Fields

Name of documentary heritage: Worthy Park Estate - Plan of Cane Fields 
Country: Jamaica 
State, Province or Region: West Indies 
Address (location of doc): Jamaica Archives, Corner of King and Manchester Streets, Spanish Town

Legal Information

Owner: The official owner is the Worthy Park Estate but the Jamaica Archives has similar rights when storage and use of the materials are concerned. 

Custodian: The National Archives. 

Legal Status: Privately owned collection, including the plan of the estate, is accessible to the public, to be used at the National Archives. There are no restrictions on its use within the purview of proper treatment of the map. 

Details of legal and administrative provision for the preservation of the Documentary heritage:

Accessibility: The Collection at the Archives is available for research by Historians and other researchers. Patrons of the archives are required to sign books explaining the purpose of research and contact details. There are no other requirements for use of this particular plan of the estate. Like all other Archival holdings, it cannot be removed from the Clinton Black Reading Room, the central reading room in the Jamaica Archives. 

Copyright Status: The size of the plan is not conducive to photocopying, but digitizing under the supervision of archive staff is allowed. Patrons are also free to take notes. The Archives requires that credit be given to them and the exact reference of the documents be provided each time the information is reproduced.

Responsible administration: Responsibility for the collection is with the government archivist. 

Identification

Description: The Plan of the Worthy Park cane fields is a large topographical map work, which was traced from 1942 aerial photograph (reference: J-18-4-426). It was revised when traced in August 1960. The scale is approximately 70 feet per inch. This detailed aerial plan shows roads and intervals, wire fences (boundaries) gullies, drains, the location of factories and other infrastructural aspects of this premier sugar plantation. It also shows sugar cane, citrus and other crops as they are located on the estate. 

Bibliographic Details: Kenneth Ingram’s “Sources of Jamaican History” makes reference to the Worthy Park collections, and many historians who have worked on slavery in Jamaica make reference to its contents. In particular however, the ground breaking book “A Jamaican Plantation The history of Worthy Park 1670-1970” by Michael Craton and James Walvin (London and New York: W H Allen 1970) has specifically utilized the worthy park collections among other documents to reconstruct the history of the estate and its significance to Jamaica and the study of slavery in general. In addition, Barry Higman’s “Jamaica Surveyed” makes specific mention of the Worthy Park Plans, and has a very good description of one of the first plans of the estate. 

HISTORY
The plan and other contents in the Worthy Park collection were deposited in the National Archives in the 1960s, and have been open to public use since that time. 

ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE SELECTION CRITERIA 

Influence
The growth of absentee planters during the 18th century led to a group of wealthy proprietors who resided outside of the Caribbean. These were anxious to have visual representations of their estates in the Caribbean territories. This led to the upsurge of many plans being drawn up in Jamaica in particular to show physical representations of the plantations in the island during the slavery era. The post emancipation era also provided another good opportunity for land surveying. These would often show the changes in settlement patterns and the re organization of land in the context of a ‘free society’. The Worthy Park Plan was one such plan that originated in this manner. 

Time
The documents span a time of 1783 to 1970. The estate itself though, began operations from the 1600s and still exists today, in the 21st century. This plan itself was last done in 1960. 

Place
Worthy Park is in St Catherine in the vicinity of Ewarton in Jamaica: it is a lush green area surrounded by blue-green mountains. This is the vale of Lluidas, which is dominated by the estate of Worthy Park. The estate grew over time when Lord Shrewsbury’s purchased nearby Swansea in 1874. Then in 1881, the vale’s most vigorous hilly estate, Thetford, was purchased from the government and incorporated into Worthy Park.

People
The decline in profits from the Worth Park estates in the 1700s spurred the absentee owner John Price to send his son Rose to Jamaica to ensure proper management of the estate. He arrived in 1791and employed the services of Robert Kirkwood and David Low, both surveyors to produce a plan of the estates. 

Social Value
Plans portray the internal layout of large agricultural units. In this case the worthy park estate’s internal organization is well portrayed in this large topographical plan. It shows the boundaries of properties and is useful for the analysis of land tenurship and settlement patters on this estate in particular and gives an indication as to how plantations are structured for maximum returns in terms of the physical layout and as such visual plans of estates give a fuller picture of plantation life. While some may choose to use plan like these for decorative purposes, others interested in cartography of the period as well as plantation history will find it useful for studying plan making, and general patterns of spatial distribution and land use on sugar estates. Others may find it useful for studies in soil type and for tracking the potential of each field by the crop that was planted there. 

Integrity
The documents are original records. They are stored together at the archives, apart from the map collection at the PRO, London. This plan is not the original plan produced in the 1700s under the request of Rose Price. However it is an authentic and certified plan of the estate. 

Rarity: Barry Higman noted Historian, informs us that surviving plans depicting the internal layout of plantations for Jamaica are greater in number than for any other Caribbean territory. However this plan in itself is rare as it is one of the few surviving plans of the Worthy Park estate that remain in Jamaica. 

MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Preservation Plan: The archive takes special precautions to safeguard the quality of its collections, by instructing patrons in the proper techniques when using the documents. Patrons are not allowed to use pens in the reading room, and are sometimes offered magnifying glasses if the material is hard to decipher. Proper handling of these records are stressed The archive has embarked on a 5 year plan to microfilm all its collections, particularly older ones and those that are deteriorating with time. However the completion of this is contingent on funding. 

CONSULTATION 

John Aarons 
53-56 Church street
Kingston 

Tel: (876) 922 3705-6

NOMINATOR

Jamaica Archives 

Top | Home | Collection