Summary_of_Symposium_1_ (USVI and DK Our Mutual Heritage) the National Museum of Denmark May 26 27 2011

8/3/2019 Summary_of_Symposium_1_ (USVI and DK Our Mutual Heritage) the National Museum of Denmark May 26 27 2011

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Strand Street, Frederiksted, Ib Andersen 1946

US Virgin Islands and Denmark Our mutual heritage

Symposium at The National Museum of Denmark

May 26th

27th

2011

Summary July 2011

Lunn & Co.

Ulla Lunn, arkitekt m.a.a. - Kagerupvej 42, 4420 Regstrup, Denmark - t: 59189098, m: 26157727, [email protected] - CVR: 16771473


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Introduction.

The National Museum of Denmark hosted an international symposium May 26th 27th 2011 in Copenhagen

on the topic of the preservation of the heritage of the US Virgin Islands, the former Danish West Indies. The

Symposium was sponsored by ICOMOS Denmark, the US Embassy in Copenhagen and the Danish West

Indian Society.

The symposium was arranged in connection to the exhibition The Danish West Indies building a colony

which was open to the public at the National Museum from April 2nd until October 23rd 2011.

The exhibition is based on a recent research project carried out by architect Ulla Lunn, historian George

Tyson and historian Dr. Louise Sebro. The research documents the first 150 years of slavery and sugar

production; it covers both the social and physical dimension. The research in extension is accessible at

www.denvestindiskearv.dk

Out of ten speakers six guests from US Virgin Islands were invited to give a speech . 56 participants were

signed in. The first day of the symposium was designated to the topic of preserving the tangible heritage

comprising the landscapes, the plantation structure and plantation ruins, the towns and the monuments.

The second day was designated to broaden the debate to US Danish relations in general, the VI culture in

general, future collaboration possibilities and challenges.
http://www.denvestindiskearv.dk/http://www.denvestindiskearv.dk/http://www.denvestindiskearv.dk/


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Background.

The Virgin Islands and Danish mutual history lasted for 250 years ending in 1917 by transfer of the three

islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix to USA. The structure of the landscape and the built heritage

still comprise a vast and unique resource of historic evidence and potential for development for the US

Virgin Islands.

The aim of the symposium was to present the recent research and to generate a debate on how we can

contribute to the protection and perseveration of our mutual heritage. One question posed to the

participants was; Can Denmark in collaboration with the US Virgins Islands contribute to a strategy? Should

the heritage of the islands be appointed as a candidate to the UNESCO World Heritage List? Are there

resources in the national and international community to carry out the enormous task of preserving the

unique evidence of the early colonial history with the monuments of slavery, sugar production and all that

went with it?

Thursday may 26th.

Mr. Per Kristian Madsen, General Director of the National Museum of Denmark opened the symposium by

a welcoming speech. He especially welcomed all to the premises of the National Museum of Denmark and

expressed a special than to the guests from US Virgin Islands. Mr. Madsen also passed a thank to the

sponsors of the event. Mr. Madsen expressed the hope that the participants would use the opportunity to

visit the exhibition - The Danish West Indies - Building a Colony, curated and designed by architect Ulla

Lunn.

As a member of the board of ICOMOS Denmark he also found the opportunity to mention the widely

spread interest in the Danish VI mutual history and the large task of preservation of the heritage. Mr.

Madsen also mentioned the National Museum of Denmarks plans on celebrating the centennial for

transfer of the Danish West Indies to USA coming up in 2017 by a larger exhibition on the topic and hoped

for collaboration with key persons and institutions in the years to come.

Dr. Louise Sebro, historian at the National Museum of Denmark chaired the symposium. With her research,

experience and many years of collaboration with institutions and individuals on the Virgin Islands she

guided the two days of presentations and debate.

Louise Sebro


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First speaker was Ulla Lunn, Architect m.a.a. and curator of the exhibition, Copenhagen

The built heritage of the former Danish West Indiesbuilding the colony.

Ms. Lunn presented some of the research that the exhibition is based on and discussed the uniqueness of

the built heritage of the US Virgin Islands. The research documents the early period of the colony from the

first building activities in 1670ies to the decline of the sugar era around 1820ies. In this period slavery was

institutionalized and most building activities was based on enslaved artisans. Building technology wasbased on local material and imported brick. A northern European influenced building style emerged. The

key question to the preservation of the heritage is how to give new understanding and new life to the built

structures. Should the unique heritage of the US Virgin Islands be considered World Heritage?

The landscapes of the Virgin Islands consist of hundreds of early industrial monuments andthe parcel structure still in existence.

Many authentic Afro-Caribbean houses from slave villages to vernacular urban structuresstill exist and some are still lived in.

3 towns are built in and preserved in a Creole European style ( Christiansted: 1730-40,Frederiksted: 1755-1878, Charlotte Amalie: 1832)

Numerous historic monuments exists including forts and fortifications, governmentbuildings, slave station, slave schools and churches

Extensive archives exists and are partly being made accessible on the internet A strong oral narrative tradition exists to bear witness of the past times and the connection

to Africa and Europe

A large part of the inhabitants direct descendants of Afro-Caribbean and European decent.Ms. Lunn concluded that the international community should contribute to the giant preservation task and

that other sites on the World Heritage List can generate large funds for investment.

Larsen, Jackson & Christensen


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Mr. Gerville Larsen, Architect, A.I.A., N.O.M.A., Principal - Taller Larjas, LLC.

"The Other Side of the Story: Making Preservation Connect with Diverse Audiences in the U.S. Virgin

Islands"

Existing preservation and restoration programs that are being employed in our Territory include:

1. Government Incentives: Enterprise Zone, Revenue Enhancement Act, Christiansted &Frederiksted Rehabilitation Act, Federal Tax Credit Program, National Heritage Area

Designation;

2. Non Profit Programs: Scrape & Paint Program, St. Croix Foundation;3. Government & Non Profit Partnerships/Collaboration: Clean Up & Board Up Program St.

Croix Foundation with Law Enforcement Planning Commission;

4. Legislation & Advocacy: 29-0027 V.I. Historic Properties Preservation and Rehabilitation Act of2011.

Mr. Larsens conclusion was that the greatest challenge facing historic preservation in the U.S. Virgin

Islands today is the task of linking preservation goals to those individuals who are not presently connectedwith the movement. The most direct route to achieving this result is to begin telling all sides of the story;

to showcase the true identity of those individuals who built our historic towns, as promoted by the

National Trust for Historic Preservations program This Place Matters. Other than that we have the

traditional tools like Engagement, Partnerships/Collaboration, Advocacy, Education and Incentives, through

which we can begin to shift local sentiment towards the importance of preserving our collective heritage.

Also Mr. Larsen suggested that the most endangered species of structures in the U.S. Virgin Islands are

the small wooden vernacular residences that make up a large portion of the historic towns. These quaint

residences tell a rarely chronicled history of the African descendants that were freed and consequently

built these distinct and exquisitely crafted structures. In essence, these buildings are representative of the

transference of wealth from one generation of African descendants to another, many of which are still

presently owned by local families. Apathy, time and the elements have taken a toll on some of these

structures. However, with a small investment of typically $25,000 to $35,000 per structure, these

distinctive mortise and tenon, hand-hewn residences could be restored and would have a great impact

on the overall streetscapes of our historic towns.

Ms. Nadine Marchena- Kean, Director of The Enterprise Zone Commission:

Revitalizing distressed neighborhoods

Ms. Marchena could not attend the symposium but gave her presentation over SKYPE. Ms. Marchena

concluded that in the face of challenges of preserving the built heritage, the Enterprise Zone Commissionhas found innovative ways of achieving our ultimate goals. The commission realized that the tax credits for

rehabilitation on its own were not spurring rehabilitation, and so we created a strategic plan and

implemented programs that has encouraged, persuaded and motivated property owners to revitalize their

buildings. In order to deal with a lack of funding to implement these programs, we sought and received

grants to supplement. We have had some small victories like for example 11 buildings being salvaged in

Charlotte Amalie. The VI government has also taken other initiatives to other rehab efforts like local tax

credits and new lucrative tax exemptions, our stop gap board ups, estate planning conferences, loan


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program and the scrape & paint efforts. We are right now seeking funds for The Save A Building program

and The Streetscape Program. We need to do more to bring buildings back to life. The program to save

the small vernacular buildings in the towns is more viable than the larger restoration projects and hopefully

a basis for an architectural strategy.

Mr. George Tyson, Historian St. Croix.

Ruination and Revitalization: Reflections on the Past and Present Status of Denmark's Rural

Architectural Heritage in the U. S. Virgin Islands".

Mr. Tyson stated that Denmark's rural architectural heritage in the Virgin Islands consists largely of

deteriorating ruins and a few standing buildings associated with some 700 plantations built by Danes,

Britons, Irish, Dutchmen, Caribbean Creoles and enslaved African ancestors of todays Virgin Islanders.

Collectively, this diverse and exceptionally well documented rural heritage reflects not only Denmarks

involvement with the sugar, slavery and the world market system, but also its experience with

administering a multi-national, multi-cultural, multi-racial social order. While this heritage is distant from

Denmark in time, space and memory; it remains something of high value shared with the people of theVirgin Islands, most of whom are the descendants of Danish citizens or subjects, and many of whom are

genetically related to present-day Danish families. The approaching bicentennial of the 1917 Transfer of

the Danish West Indies to the United States presents a unique opportunity for the people of Denmark and

the Virgin Islands to join hands in fashioning a variety of joint undertakings that will preserve and utilize the

neglected ruins of their shared rural heritage in order to foster in both societies a deeper, more nuanced

understanding of a common Past, promote educational, structural and economic revitalization in the

Present and build a solid foundation for strengthening and sustaining ancestral, cultural and commercial

ties in the Future.

George Tyson


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Dr. Mikkel Venborg, The national Museum of Denmark.

Colonial Connections a National Museum program

Dr. Venborg stated that the National Museum during the last year they have coordinated existing initiatives

of research and exhibitions dealing with the former Danish possessions in the Tropics and the influences

these colonies had in the mother land. Also they compare the programs with the initiatives dealing withthe Artic; in the National Museum research program Northern Worlds. The program is called Colonial

Connections and in the presentation Dr. Venborg made a quick tour of the ended, ongoing and hopefully

forthcoming initiatives in Ghana, Tranquebar, Serampore, the former Danish West Indies as well as a

research centre dealing with the influences from the colonies in Denmark-Norway, not least in the realm of

consumption. All projects lead up to a larger exhibition planned for 2017, dealing with Denmark-Norway as

colonial power. However all projects has to be funded outside the general National Museum budget.

Ms. Donna M. Christensen, Delegate to Congress:

Initiatives to secure historic preservation in the territory of US Virgin Islands

The Delegate concluded that The National Heritage Area Program, appointed by National Park Service

would provide a great opportunity for St. Croix in many ways. First, it would provide support for the

preservation and interpretation some of the rich history of the Island going back to the indigenous native

peoples, through slavery, and the ties to the seven countries that have owned the island, with a special

focus on Denmark and the United States. It will also tell the story of the people past and present who have

made the island what it is. Beyond this though, it is an educational tool so that our children will know their

history. Also importantly it is an economic development tool as well, because it would enhance and define

our tourism product - one through which the native population can become more a part of the tourism

economy. St. Croix has a wonderful story to tell and the National Heritage Area program will enable it to be

told.

Donna M. Christensen


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Friday May 27th

Ms. Ulla Lunn, Architect ma.a, Copenhagen:

Will there be something to celebrate 2017? A platform for collaboration

Ms. Lunn suggested that a platform for collaboration is needed to give all the obvious connections a forumfor development. Collaboration has been suggested in many areas but dealing with the mutual heritage

and especially the built heritage substantial funding is needed. Also political commitment on both sides is

needed. To collaborate will also need involvement from USA Federal Government. The Danish politicians

have so far been reluctant, but still we will have to show that this is the road to follow to hamper the denial

of the colonial past and tell the truth. And how dangerous is the truth any way? Initiatives like research,

education and tangible preservation and transformation projects need a long term engagement. We have a

solid experience and tradition within the architectural field that could form the base for collaboration. To

focus on 2017 should be supported by the idea of sharing knowledge, documents and other arte facts. Ms.

Lunn stated that the Danish and VI new relations could form a role model in the international community

by valid collaboration projects that will last.

Ulla Lunn

Mr. Wayne A. G. James, J.D., President of the Homeward Bound Foundation, St. Croix:The Danish connection and the Danish obligation

Mr. James concluded that if the history of the Virgin Islands is not preserved, Virgin Islanders will become a

twice-displaced people; Once displaced by the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and again displaced when the

history they reconstructed in the colonial context under Danish rule is lost to time. The obligation to

preserve that history--its tangible and intangible components--rests not only with Denmark, but with the

United States, the Nations of Central West Africa, and the Virgin Islands. The cost of preserving that history

should be borne by all the parties involved, for in preserving that history, a major step will be taken


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towards healing from past wrongs and building a bright future. 2017 will mark the 100th anniversary of the

transfer of the islands from Denmark to the United States. It will also illustrate our true, collective

sentiments for the preservation of our mutual heritage, for if we fail to bring the issue of preservation to

the forefront in 2017, it is likely to be forgotten. Mr. James stated that he as a senator had a bill passed by

the Legislature of the USVI in November 2010 that appointed basic funding for a centennial commission

that will plan for the celebration of Transfer 2017. Denmark should do likewise as soon as possible if this is

going to be something to celebrate.

Mr. Asbjn Hellum , GD at the Royal Archives, Copenhagen: On the archives.

Mr. Hellum unfolded the situation the vast archives concerning the former Danish West Indies. In 2006 the

archives were designated World Archival Heritage. Kilometers of primary sources of archival material is

now systematically filed but the project on transcription and translation is enormous and never ending. The

archival project has started with transcription and translation of the files belonging to West Indie Guinea

Company

Mr. George Tyson, historian; St. Croix: On genealogy research

Mr. Tyson unfolded the project concerning the St. Croix Population Database under the VISHA

organization; Virgin Islands Slave History Archives, a private organization working on collection and

research of archival material. The database consists of 1.8 million entries that allow descendants to search

their family connections though out the archival files concerning St. Croix.

After the lunch break the symposium opened to a broader audience on the theme The future of our

Mutual Heritage. Members of The Danish West Indian Society were especially invited.

Mr. Myron Jackson, Historian, Director of VI Cultural Institute, Department of Planning and Natural

Resources, St. Thomas took the floor as the key note speaker.

OurShared Heritage: Collective Memory and Identity

Mr. Jackson guided the audience through the various expressions and dimensions of Virgin Islands history

and cultural heritage. His presentation used the power of images, as an educational tool, to best illustrate

500 hundred years of this shared heritage, collective memory and identity. He pointed out the various

issues relating to the cultural heritage, and human resources, on both sides of the Atlantic, that are known

and unknown to Danes and Virgin Islanders. To sustain a collective identity, you must preserve the

collective memory of a people. For that reason, future programs and initiatives in collaboration between

the Virgin Islands and Denmark should focus not only on the restoration and preservation of the built

environment, but also, on the development of collective consciousness of Virgin islanders and Danes as

well. This calls for tangible initiatives such as the establishment of Cultural Centers in the V.I. and

educational programs of exchange. He called for the translations of the modern works of Danish and VirginIslands historians, authors, scholars and others who have produced works relevant to the Virgin Islands and

the former Danish West Indies. Mr. Jackson also emphasized the fundamental need for Virgin Islanders to

have access to their artifacts, archives and patrimony in search of their identity.


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Myron Jackson

Mr. Shelley Moorhead; representing the NGOs, Carida/Copenhagen, ACRRA/USVI and the VI reparation

Movement as well as President of Carribean Institute for a New Humanity, was asked to reflect on the

question "How does the younger generation adapt to history?"

Mr. Moorhead took the starting point in the graffiti shown in the exhibition, which derives from Ghana;

Until the lion has his historian, the hunter will always be the hero. Concerning the history the relations are

more important than buildings. To the minds of the younger generation of the USVI, the ruined buildings

reflect the ruined relations, so rebuilding should reflect rebuilt relations. To preserve the built environment

could be a burden and a restriction to a development desired by the younger generation. The experiences

from St. John have clearly jeopardized the local identity and the ability for the inhabitants to live a

sustainable life on their own land. To celebrate a New Humanity we should focus on celebrating 2017 with

some collaboration projects that give a truly new approach. Mr. Moorhead played a tune on a CD created

in collaboration between Virgin Islands and Danish artists as an example on people to people relations that

gives new identity to both parties.


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Shelley Moorhead

Mr. Michael Metz Mrch; Ambassador and director general Bikuben Foundation, Denmark, was asked to

reflect on Formation of a National Committee for the celebration of 2017?

Mr. Mrch outlined his ideas on the process leading up to the celebration of 2017. He was determined to

form a National Committee for this purpose and had taken the first steps in that direction. He invited every

individual of the audience to send him an email to be enrolled in the task force. All viable ideas and

programs should be embraced in this mutual collaboration effort. He was confident that American, Danish

and VI sources could be channeled in to the initiative. ([email protected])

Michael Metz Mrch
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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During the Q & A session mr. David Night from St. Johns historical society pointed out that the native

population on St. John is an endangered species due to the National Park Service management of the

island and due to the development within American tourism.

Ms. Lene Floris, Head of the Department for Research and Dissemination at The Naional Museum of

Denmark said that the museum wants to reach out to those from the VI community who has ideas on how

we can create the best form of dissemination of our mutual history.

Ms. Anne Walbom shared a vision for 2017 with the audience on behalf of the Danish West Indian Society.

Ms. Donna Christensen thanked on behalf of the Virgin Islanders for the symposium and the commitment

from the Museum and from Ulla Lunn towards new relations. She expressed her sincere wish to forward

the programs and ideas and join Mr. Mrchs initiative.

Dr. Sebro and Ms. Lunn wrapped up the symposium by encouraging Mr. Mrch to continue his embracing

initiative and the audience to make themselves and their ideas known to Mr. Mrch.


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Michael Metz Mrch hosted a dinner for the guests from the Virgin Islands on May 27th.

UL/05/07/2011

Documents

Summary_of_Symposium_1_ (USVI and DK Our Mutual Heritage) the National Museum of Denmark May 26 27 2011