As part of its ongoing outreach programme, the National Archives partnered with the management of Castle Killarney (also known as the Stollmeyers’ Castle), the Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, to showcase the early history and evolution of Carnival – pan, mas and calypso. The Carnival at Castle Killarney exhibition was held from 20 February to 6 April 2019.
Archival records, such as the Cedula of Population, Carnival Proclamations, calypso, pan and Carnival magazines, and newspapers were on display along with a well-curated display of traditional mas costumes and tribute to calypsonians.
The exhibition attracted many visitors, local and foreign, including schools and community groups, many of whom were impressed and enquired about a permanent home for such an exhibition or a repeat exhibition next year. The bonus for many was the opportunity to tour Castle Killarney, the first of the Magnificent Seven to be built, in 1904.