New Historical Society Launched to Preserve Clarendon's Rich Heritage

May Pen, Clarendon – Historians, educators and community representatives gathered at the Clarendon Parish Library this week for the inaugural meeting of the newly established Clarendon Historical Society of Jamaica (CHSJ), marking an important step towards preserving and sharing the Parish's rich and diverse history.

The Society has been formed to encourage historical research, preserve oral histories, improve access to historical records and involve communities and schools in discovering and celebrating Clarendon's heritage.

The first meeting began with an engaging presentation by 90-year-old Oscar Reader, who shared vivid memories of growing up in Rosehall. His recollections of everyday community life provided members with a valuable first contribution to what the Society hopes will become a growing archive of oral histories from across the parish.

Members agreed that recording the memories of older residents is an urgent priority, ensuring that knowledge passed down through generations is preserved before it is lost.

The remainder of the meeting focused on establishing the administrative arrangements needed to manage the new organisation. Discussions included governance, membership, future activities and the practical steps required to build a sustainable historical society capable of serving communities throughout Clarendon.

The Society's long-term vision is to make Clarendon's history more accessible to everyone by encouraging local research, supporting schools, promoting community heritage projects and strengthening links with archives and cultural institutions in Jamaica and overseas. Particular importance is being placed on improving access to historical records held abroad, including the internationally significant Penrhyn Papers at Bangor University in Wales, which contain extensive information about the history of Clarendon and its people.

To enable wider participation, members agreed that future meetings will be held monthly via Zoom, allowing people across Jamaica and members of the Jamaican diaspora overseas to become actively involved in the Society's work.

The founder members said they were encouraged by the enthusiasm shown at the inaugural meeting and believe the Society will play an important role in ensuring that the stories of Clarendon's people, communities and landscapes are preserved for future generations.

The Clarendon Historical Society of Jamaica welcomes anyone with an interest in local history, family history, heritage, archaeology, genealogy or community research to participate in its activities and contribute to preserving Clarendon Parish's remarkable story.

Initial CHSJ participants
Emanuel Southerland  
Hazel Vaz
Pauline Henry Blake
Ethel Brown
Hazel Williams Vaz
Charmaine Langoth
Michael Thomas,
Ben Rose
Michael Thomas
Liz Millman
Emanuel Southerland  
Hazel Vaz
Viveen  Esmie