Tuesday, May 27, 2014 - Persons around the Territory had the opportunity to learn about the Territory’s past as they travelled through history during a weeklong exhibition that highlighted Virgin Islands (VI) olden days in celebration of this year’s International Museum Day.
The Week of activities began on May 18 and concluded on May 23.
The exhibition included information about the Amerindians era to emancipation; the history and inner workings of the Callwood Distillery; and all the Monarch’s representatives from colonisation to the present. The Maritime Museum, VI Folk Museum, Old Government House Museum and the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum in conjunction with the Department of Culture, sponsored the travelling exhibition that highlighted Virgin Islands history.
The first stop for the exhibition was on May 19 at the Claudia Creque Educational Centre on Anegada. On May 20, exhibits were displayed at the Ashford Waters Community Centre on Virgin Gorda. The exhibition travelled to Jost Van Dyke on May 21, where the exhibits were displayed in the Methodist Church Yard. The final stop for the exhibition was at the Breezeway of the Central Administration Complex in Road Town Tortola on May 23.
During the exhibit on Tortola, the public had the opportunity to listen to a round table discussion with three local historians, Mr. Hugo Vanterpool, Dr. Katherine Smith and Dr. Angel Smith. The topic of discussion was Virgin Islands history as it relates to the featured exhibits.
The theme for Museum Day 2014 was “Museum Collections Make Connections.” This theme serves as a reminder that museums are institutions that help connect visitors to the local history and culture of the Territory. The travelling exhibition allows the museums to connect with and involve the entire community and to remain in touch with the public.
The Minister for Education and Culture the Honourable Myron V. Walwyn in his address on May 18 stated the importance of the travelling exhibition, “There are no museums on the sister islands, therefore, the travelling exhibition will allow residents and visitors alike on the sister islands to learn, find out and discover some history of the Virgin Islands.”
Director of Culture Mrs. Luce Hodge-Smith stated, “The activities over the years have made tremendous contributions to the Territory’s museums growth and development.”
International Museum Day is celebrated annually on May 18 to highlight the important role museums play in the preservation and promotion of Virgin Islands’ culture.
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