The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently unveiled its annual list of America’s 11 most endangered historic places, with the Estate Whim Museum in Frederiksted, St. Croix, earning a spot due to its significant yet vulnerable status.

Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust, emphasized the evolving recognition of American history, noting, “Our collective idea of American history has expanded to include those previously left at the margins. This year’s list reflects that broader perspective, recognizing sites across all U.S. territories as integral parts of our national narrative.”

The Estate Whim Museum’s history dates back to the Danish colonization of St. Croix, starting as a cotton and sugar plantation in 1743 and utilizing the labor of enslaved Africans until the 1848 emancipation sparked by a revolt. Post-emancipation, the site witnessed the 1978 Fireburn labor revolt. Acquired by the U.S. government in 1932 after the U.S. purchased the Virgin Islands, the 12-acre site has been preserved as a museum by the St. Croix Landmarks Society since 1954.

Today, the museum displays a range of artifacts, including Crucian furniture and decorative arts within its original sugar mills and slave quarters. These historic structures suffered extensive damage during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. The ongoing recovery has been slow, forcing the museum to rely on temporary measures such as tarpaulins to shield the fragile structures crafted by 18th-century enslaved masons and carpenters.

The urgency of repairs is clear to the Landmarks Society, which is rallying support and resources for preservation. Highlighting the museum’s endangered status aims to inspire a collective effort to safeguard this crucial part of USVI history.

In tandem with the endangered listing, a new initiative promises potential restoration. “We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Office of Disaster Recovery to fast-track the much-needed repairs to the museum properties,” explained Valencio Jackson, chair of the St. Croix Landmarks Society. The MOU positions the Office of Disaster Recovery as the project’s lead management entity.

Governor Bryan, who endorsed the MOU, expressed, “The Estate Whim Museum is not just a pivotal historical site but also a symbol of the resilience and spirit of our people. Let us advance together, strengthened by our past, as we restore and rejuvenate this cornerstone of Virgin Islands history.”

ST. THOMAS — Wednesday transformed Crown Bay into a bustling hub of activity during the much-anticipated annual Carnival Food Fair. The event drew crowds that included mainstay vendors who offered a taste of the Virgin Islands’ rich culinary traditions. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere were hundreds of tourists from the cruise ship Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, who discovered a delightful array of local food, arts, and crafts.

Fort Christian, the iconic structure in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, will now see its event organizers navigating a new requirement: obtaining approval from the Historical Preservation Committee for any signage to be displayed on the premises. This directive stems from an initiative by the Division of Libraries, the fort’s overseeing body, aiming to maintain the integrity of this historical site.

At a recent meeting, the STT-STJ Historical Preservation Committee, led by Chair Akil Petersen, reviewed applications for signage at upcoming events. Among these was Melvin Romney’s submission for Fort Fete Virgin Islands, an event heralding the start of the St. Thomas Carnival season. Romney’s plan involves non-invasive methods to affix signs, ensuring the fort’s structure remains unaltered.

The committee’s discussion revealed a diversity of views. While the idea of utilizing the fort for public celebrations received support, Sean Krigger, director of the State Historical Preservation Office, expressed concerns over potential impacts on the fort’s ancient fabric. He noted new cracks in the building’s structure and urged caution regarding noise levels, given their potential effects on the historic edifice.

Despite these worries, Romney highlighted the careful considerations made in previous years regarding sound levels and the post-event condition of the fort, ensuring no harm comes to the historic site. He emphasized the cultural respect shown in event themes, like the previous year’s madras theme and the current year’s hibiscus inspiration.

Kurt Marsh, another committee member, raised concerns about the structural integrity of historic buildings like Fort Christian, especially in the face of large-scale events. He stressed the importance of maintaining these structures, which the Virgin Islands government has historically neglected, and the need for intentional space reclamation.

The committee approved Romney’s application, as well as another for a dancehall party, emphasizing the delicate balance between supporting local entrepreneurs and preserving historical sites. Suggestions for regular monitoring of the building’s condition, especially in light of events featuring bass-heavy music, were made to ensure ongoing preservation efforts.

This new oversight by the Historical Preservation Committee underscores a commitment to protecting the cultural heritage of Fort Christian while accommodating community events, a balance vital for the preservation and vibrant use of historic spaces in the U.S. Virgin Islands.