Institute of Jamaica

The Institute of Jamaica (IOJ)was established in 1879 by Governor, Sir Anthony Musgrave and over the years has developed into the most significant cultural, artistic and scientific organization.

The main functions of the Institute of Jamaica are as follows:

Establishing and maintaining museums and galleries for the collection, preservation and display of artefacts and art treasures.

Establishing and maintaining a National library.

Maintaining and displaying Jamaica’s national flora and fauna collections

Documenting and disseminating information on the impact of the African presence in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

Developing the creative potential of children.

Compiling, publishing and distributing printed information of literary, scientific and historical interest.

The Institute has responsibility for the following organizations:

Museums of History & Ethnography is the national agent for the collection, preservation and documentation of Jamaica’s material culture.

Natural History Division’s mandate is to advance scientific research and education by collecting, storing and maintaining specimens of Jamaica’s plants and animals and educating Jamaicans on the importance of preserving the island’s natural history.

Programmes Coordination Division is responsible for developing curricula for a range of after-school programmes. It has become a place where young people ages 6-18 develop and foster their creative skills and are exposed to a variety of activities.

The National Gallery of Jamaica has the definitive collection of the nation’s art which charts the growth and development of Jamaica’s greatest artistic endeavours.

The African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank has the mission to deepen public awareness of the contribution of African cultural retentions to the Jamaican social ethos.

Liberty Hall, the legacy of Marcus Garvey, the former headquarters of the Kingston Division of Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL), after being purchased by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust was later restored and officially re-opened in October 2003 as a heritage site. Liberty Hall houses the Marcus Mosiah Garvey Multimedia Museum and Reference Library.