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.

This past Saturday, the St. Thomas Carnival stage sparkled with talent and creativity as seven young contestants vied for the coveted titles of Petite Princess, Carnival Princess, and Junior Miss in a pageant filled with culture, couture, and charisma.

The evening kicked off with the youngest contestants, five-year-old Keemayah Ford and Nahkiya Jeffers, charming the audience with their vibrant costumes and thematic portrayals linked to the Carnival’s spirit. Ford, adorned in a pink and white majorette ensemble, and Jeffers, in a carousel costume rich with cultural imagery, set a high standard for the night.

The competition intensified as contestants like Amiah Motta and Kaysiah Charleswell showcased their unique interpretations of Virgin Islands culture through fashion, with Motta donning a chef’s uniform trimmed in madras to honor local cuisine, and Charleswell, dressed as a flight attendant, inviting the audience to fly with “VI Nice” airlines.

Jazmine Samuel captivated spectators by seamlessly shifting characters, engaging in a dynamic two-sided dialogue, enhancing her performance with rapid costume and voice changes. In the Junior Miss category, Ne’keyah Fraser innovatively portrayed an AI GPS computer, promising to navigate attendees through the best of Carnival 2024, while D’nae Todman embraced her role as a cultural culinary guru.

The event’s creative segments were nothing short of theatrical, with contestants transforming their outfits onstage to represent themes ranging from candy couture to career-focused attire. Samuel’s quick-change abilities shone brightly as her outfit morphed from gummy bears to cupcakes and finally to a stunning tiered lollipop dress.

In tribute to local icons and cultural narratives, the contestants adorned their outfits with elements that spoke to the Virgin Islands’ rich heritage. Ne’keya Fraser paid homage to Helen Sebastien Gabriel, a matriarch in the local baton twirling community, by transitioning from a contemporary outfit to a traditional majorette costume.

The talent portion of the evening revealed the depth of the contestants’ skills, from musical performances inspired by local legends to dramatic representations of personal and cultural stories.

As the event neared its conclusion, the formalwear segment displayed elegance and sophistication, with each contestant sharing personal stories through their garment choices, enhancing the emotional impact of their presentations.

After nearly seven hours of performances, the judges crowned Keemayah Ford as Petite Princess, Jazmine Samuel as Carnival Princess, and Ne’keya Fraser as Jr. Miss, each embodying the spirit and promise of the Virgin Islands’ vibrant culture.

This year’s pageant not only celebrated the talents and potential of its participants but also underscored the enduring cultural richness of the St. Thomas Carnival, promising a bright future for its newest royals.