The journey of Jamaican Historical Society

The Jamaican Historical Society (JHS) has a rich history of promoting Jamaican heritage and culture. Founded on May 26, 1943, with the support of outgoing Governor, Sir Arthur Richards, and the British Council, the society was established at a critical moment in Jamaica’s journey towards self-government.

Richards believed it was essential to study, document, and preserve the nation’s history. In line with a nationalistic spirit, the JHS was formed as a non-sectarian and non-political organisation. The JHS is now in its 81st year and was a quite influential association. It covers the history of Jamaica from the Tainos to the present time.

FOUNDING MEMBERS

Reflecting Jamaica’s patriarchal society in the mid-20th century, the founding members were mostly prominent men from various fields. Key figures included:

• Charles Bernard (C.B.) Lewis – biologist/Institute of Jamaica

• Hugh Paget – British Council

• Harry E. Vendryes – businessman

• Jack G. Young – architect

• Philip Sherlock – educator/ historian

• Father Gladstone Wilson SJ – Roman Catholic priest and educator

• Headley Powell Jacobs (H.P. Jacobs) – educator/ journalist

• Christopher Swaby – Civil Servant

• Joseph (Jon) Luckert Pietersz – retired civil servant/ historian

The society’s first president was Sir Noel Brooks Livingstone, a solicitor and custos of Kingston. Governor Sir John Huggins (1943–1951) served as its first patron.

AIMS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The primary goal of the JHS was to encourage documentation and research of Jamaica’s history. It pursued this goal through various popular initiatives such as:

• Organising field trips,

• Marking important historical monuments/sites,

• Broadcasting regular radio programmes about Jamaica’s history,

• Publishing articles and books, and

• Commemorating key historical events

JHS members collaborated with other organisations to further these objectives. For instance, the JHS supported Clinton Black being awarded a scholarship to study archive administration at the University of London. He went on to establish Jamaica’s National Archives.

Since 1948, academics from The University of the West Indies (UWI) Department of History, as members of the JHS, played instrumental roles in its administration and in publishing scholarly historical works through the Jamaican Historical Review, which the JHS began in 1945. The society also started publishing a quarterly Bulletin in 1952, offering members a platform to share their passion for history through articles, photographs, and other materials.

The society was also not averse to supporting new directions in the analysis/interpretation of Jamaica’s history. Thus the association has evolved.

PROMOTING HISTORY IN EDUCATION

The JHS was involved in the education sector through its association with the Jamaica History Teachers’ Association, contributing to the development of the secondary school history curriculum.

One of the JHS’ most valued contributions to education was the Vendryes Shield, an annual history competition for secondary schools initiated by Harry Vendryes in 1947. For over 50 years, this competition inspired students to research and connect with Jamaica’s historical and cultural roots.

PRESERVING HERITAGE

The society was also instrumental in founding the Jamaica National Trust Commission (established under the Jamaica National Trust Law of 1958), which was tasked with preserving historic sites. This commission was later replaced by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust in 1985, where the JHS continues to play an active role, along with representation on the National Archives Advisory Committee.

The JHS has partnered with Georgian Society of Jamaica, now known as Built Heritage Jamaica, and the Jamaica Archaeological Society to preserve Jamaica’s architectural and material cultural heritage.

EVOLUTION AND DIVERSITY

Over time, the JHS evolved into a more diverse and vibrant organisation. Today, the society boasts greater gender representation, with women such as Charmaine McKenzie, June Wallace, Joy Lumsden, and Elizabeth Pigou-Dennis serving as presidents.

The dedication and sterling contributions of the many past presidents through the years is acknowledged. Besides those already mentioned, these included Adolphe Roberts, S.A.G. Taylor, Carl Campbell, Anthony Gambrill, John Aarons, Patrick Bryan, and James Robertson.

The JHS is currently being led by Wesley Hughes as president and Karl Watts as vice president. The late Bernard Jankee was the immediate past president.

LOOKING AHEAD

JHS’s objective is to expand its reach by embracing modern technology and social media platforms to engage a younger, more diverse audience. Hosting interactive events, virtual history tours, and educational webinars could attract new members who may not have been previously involved in the society’s traditional activities.

By playing a more vibrant role in nation-building, the society can harness Jamaican history as a tool to foster national identity, pride, and unity.

Submitted by Jamaica Historical Society. Contact them at jamaican-historicalsociety@gmail.com