National Trust Showcases Eldemire House Ahead of 40th Anniversary

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is highlighting the work of its Cayman Brac District Committee and the restoration of one of the island's oldest homes as it prepares to mark its 40th anniversary in 2027.

​Executive Director Frank Roulstone recently travelled to Cayman Brac to attend a district committee meeting and see improvements at the historic Eldemire House. "I'm here in the Brac to attend the meeting of the Cayman Brac District Committee of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, and to see all of the work, the improvements that have been made to the historic Eldemire House," he said.

​Roulstone described the restored building as "magnificent" and said he was pleased it is now being put to proper use rather than standing idle. Eldemire House, constructed in 1928, is one of the oldest homes on Cayman Brac and among the few that survived the 1932 hurricane. According to Roulstone, 17 people took shelter there during the storm and managed to survive, aided in part by the structure's cistern, which helped prevent a total collapse.

​Over its long history, the building has served multiple roles, including as a family home, a dentist's office and a small store. The Trust now sees it as a key piece of the island's built heritage and an example of the type of property it aims to preserve.

​Looking ahead, Roulstone says 2027 will mark the National Trust's 40th birthday, and the organisation is planning a year of activities to "celebrate all things 40." He stresses that district committees and volunteers will be essential to making those plans a reality, noting that the Trust does not have enough staff to deliver every event on its own.

​Cayman Brac already has eight National Trust properties, spanning historic sites, environmental reserves, scenic viewpoints and trails. Roulstone says his main goal is to bring more people into contact with these places so they can experience Caymanian history and the islands' natural environment first-hand.

​"I'd just like to add that I'm very happy with my Brac District Committee and all the wonderful things that they're doing with the community over here for historic and environmental preservation," he said, adding that he always feels welcomed when he visits the island.

​Further information on National Trust properties, volunteer opportunities and its upcoming 40th anniversary events will be available from the National Trust for the Cayman Islands and its district committees