(876) 922-1287
79 Duke Street, Kingston

About the Trust

Established 1958

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust is the statutory body charged with the identification, protection, preservation, and presentation of Jamaica's material cultural heritage. Established in 1958 as the Jamaica National Trust Commission under the National Trust Law, the organization has served as the guardian of Jamaica's built and natural heritage for over six decades.

Our mandate encompasses the full spectrum of heritage stewardship: from surveying and documenting sites across all fourteen parishes, to enforcing heritage legislation through the Heritage Development Resource Centre, to undertaking conservation projects that maintain the integrity of Jamaica's most significant places.

The Trust manages an extensive portfolio of heritage properties including great houses, forts, churches, monuments, archaeological sites, and heritage parks. Through museums, guided tours, exhibitions, publications, and community outreach programmes, we present Jamaica's story to residents and visitors alike.

Key Dates

1958 Jamaica National Trust Commission established by the National Trust Law.
1965 First heritage properties gazette listed under the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Act.
1985 Renamed to Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT).
1992 Port Royal designated as a protected national monument.
2000 Blue and John Crow Mountains added to the heritage register.
2015 Blue and John Crow Mountains inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.