A collection of original slides and photographs of local flora and fauna taken by Professor Julian Kenny, former Independent Senator and scientist, is housed at the Heritage Library, second floor, National Library of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain. The slides have been digitized and can be viewed at the NALIS Digital Library - www.nalis.gov.tt.

The original collection, donated in July 2004, consists of approximately 2700 Kodachrome 10 and 25 and 35mm colour slides, black and white images slides, negatives and photographs. It represented Professor Kenny’s life work of the conservation of the environment and captures the natural history of Trinidad and Tobago from 1960 to 2004.

This resource is an important research tool from which researchers, students, teachers, and institutions can trace the changes in the flora and fauna as well as specific areas including the Buccoo and Salybia Reefs. The images in the database encompass both terrestrial flora and aquatic and terrestrial fauna. Anyone wishing to use the material can contact the Heritage Library Division, NALIS at 624-4466 ext 2200.

Professor Julian Kenny was a true patriot and a public spirited person who understood well the role of a National Library as a safe haven for the preservation for the nation’s heritage. He demonstrated this understanding by donating his precious collection. Professor Kenny, a true advocate for libraries was also a renowned published author of several books on the subject of native orchids in Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean.

In honour of the life and work of the late Professor Julian Kenny, the Heritage Library Division has remounted the exhibition of the photographic images in the News Media Room, National Library.