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The Ira Thompson Collection

Perhaps Mr. Ira’s most lasting contribution is what many people once thought of as “junk.”

 

Goat skin drum from the Ira Thompson Collection.
Goat skin drum from the Ira Thompson Collection.

Celebrated as the “Father of Museums” in the Cayman Islands, Mr. Ira Thompson began his journey as a collector of “odds and ends” in the 1930s. As a hobbyist, avid birdwatcher, and an early taxi man, he traveled extensively throughout Grand Cayman.

 

By 1958, Mr. Ira’s hobby had grown so large that he was able to showcase his collection of curios, which he named the “Kiemanos Museum.” For many years, Mr. Ira’s Museum was a popular attraction for both locals and visitors, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Cayman Islands.

 

His collection included a wide array of items, such as manuscripts, prints, timepieces, musical instruments, fossils, animal specimens, household utensils, and many tools from a bygone era. These artifacts provided valuable insights into the Cayman Islands’ past and reflected the everyday lives of its people.

Objects from the Ira Thompson Collection - originally the Kiemanos Museum.
Objects from the Ira Thompson Collection - originally the Kiemanos Museum.

Eventually, Mr. Ira put his collection up for sale. In 1974, Interbank expressed interest in purchasing it, but the sale fell through, leaving the collection once again available for sale.

 

It took another five years before the Ira Thompson Collection found its next home. In 1979, the Cayman Islands Government acquired the collection, recognizing its immense cultural and historical value. Today, the artifacts gathered by Mr. Ira form the core of the Museum’s National Collection, ensuring that his legacy endures as a cornerstone of Caymanian heritage.

 

The Ira Thompson Collection serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage. What began as a personal hobby transformed into a national treasure, highlighting the significance of ordinary objects in understanding history. Mr. Ira’s dedication laid the foundation for what is now the Cayman Islands National Museum, which continues to educate and inspire both residents and visitors about the Cayman Islands’ unique story.

 

Mr. Ira Thompson passed away on 13th March 1985, leaving behind a lasting contribution to the preservation of Cayman Islands history.



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