14th June 2024 – The National Trust for the Cayman Islands will be hosting a Lunch & Learn: “Unlocking
History, Artefacts at Jackson Wall Manor” on 19th June, from 12:00pm-3:00pm at Grand Old House with guest speaker, Elysia Petras, a PhD candidate training in historical archaeology at Temple University in Philadelphia. Petras will present on the Jackson Wall project excavations to date and share preliminary findings from the project. Tickets ($100, includes a 3 course meal) are available online, visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky and spaces are limited.

The upcoming Lunch & Learn is a fantastic opportunity to discover the history of Jackson Wall Manor and learn interesting information regarding the artefacts found during the historical dig. In 2023, the first and unprecedented archaeological dig at Jackson Wall Manor was led by Elysia Petras and was groundbreaking as a myriad of artifacts were uncovered, cleaned, cataloged, and sent off for further analysis. Uncovered artifacts included pottery, clay pipes, bullets, and various animal bones. Some of the artifacts found date back to the 1600’s. Several NTCI staff members and a group of volunteers were led by Elysia in daily excavations of a small portion of the site.

“The Excavation of the Jackson Wall Manor is a unique opportunity to peer into the Kaleidoscope of our past and uncover hidden messages from what is essentially a historical postcard. The site is one of the more obscure National Trust heritage treasures and is one that has already given great insight into what the lives of the first settlers would have been like. It is counterpart to Pedro St. James, as both were hubs for trade and commerce; existing on opposite coasts” says Stuart Wilson, Historic Programmes Manager, National Trust for the Cayman Islands.

As of 6th June, Elysia Petras has begun the second archaeological dig at Jackson Wall Manor with the
assistance of volunteers and NTCI staff members, up until 18th June. New discoveries of items will be
mentioned at the Lunch & Learn on 19th June.