We are delighted to announce a significant addition to the National Museum's collection, generously donated by Susan Bourgain of Houston, Texas. This remarkable gift includes two cherished artefacts:
A 34" Metal Sword with a Hilt
A Hinged Metal Box Containing Two Military-Style Epaulettes
These artefacts have been passed down through generations of the Parsons family, a lineage that has played a crucial role in the history and development of the Cayman Islands.
A Rich Family History
Col. William Parsons, the first member of the Parsons family to arrive on Grand Cayman, settled in the George Town or South Sound area around 1750 after coming from Jamaica. For several centuries, his iron sword and the hinged iron box containing his military-style epaulettes have been treasured by the Parsons family in George Town.
The Parsons family has a long legacy of service in key roles:
James Edmund Parsons, Jr. (1850-1915), the last Custos of the Cayman Islands, appointed in 1888 by the Governor of Jamaica. He was a land and ship owner, shopkeeper, and justice of the peace.
Edmund Samuel Parsons (1884-1964), commissioned as a law agent in 1914 and succeeded his uncle-in-law as Clerk of the Courts for the Cayman Islands in 1939. His courtroom was located on the second floor of what is now the museum, and he is featured in our current exhibit on attorney Miss Annie Bodden.
The artefacts donated by Susan Bourgain and the Parsons family include:
A Metal Sword: Measuring 34 inches in length.
A Hinged Metal Box: Containing two military-style epaulettes adorned with a metal button (featuring a letter "M", a crown, and the word "Jamaica"), cloth braiding, brass "C" shaped decorations, velvet cloth lining, and silver metal coils.
Preserving History for Future Generations
This donation is particularly meaningful as it ensures that these historical items will remain on Grand Cayman, enriching the National Museum’s collection. The Parsons family, including the late Dale Allison Parsons, and his surviving sisters, Kayvonne Marie Primm and Jandji Lynn Barone, have expressed their wish for these artefacts to help tell the story of the families who have shaped the Cayman Islands.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Susan Bourgain and the Parsons family for their generous donation. These artefacts not only enhance our collection but also help us continue to share the rich history and legacy of the Cayman Islands with visitors and future generations.
Explore these and other fascinating pieces of history at the National Museum. Visit us and discover the incredible stories that have shaped our beloved Cayman Islands.