Archeological ruins, like this one on Virgin Gorda, can reveal a wealth of historical and cultural information.

“The BVI has a fascinating and very unique history, which deserves to be preserved and understood. The physical reminders of the past — from sugar works to old houses to historic shipwrecks to burial grounds — are a great and untapped resource,” said John Chenoweth, a student from the University of California . “By studying and understanding them, I think we can learn a great deal about the people who built the BVI, the ancestors of the country’s population, and how they lived their lives.”

Chenoweth visited the Territory last month and said the excitement generated by the ruins found during the hospital construction proves that residents of the Territory are fascinated by remnants of the past.

Heritage marketing is an opportunity for the V.I., helping people to understand the Territory as the “vibrant, complex, and historically and culturally rich place” it really is.

He said he will continue to visit the V.I. to do historical research, and is working on gathering his preliminary findings to share with the public.

While some sites are being lost to development, the 2004 Physical Planning Act stipulates any building that appears or is of “special architectural, cultural, historic or archaeological interest” a survey may be conducted to see if the building is worth preserving.

Government has the responsibility to compile a list of ‘buildings of interest’, and guidelines are set out on how they should be protected. Rules are set out to protect significant plants as well, according to Section IV Environmental Protection, of the Physical Planning Act of the Virgin Islands .

The Government is also promoting historical preservation through the opening of the Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum .

Not even three months old, the museum is sponsoring exhibits to highlight different aspects of the Virgin Islands culture, and is a resource for visitors, residents and students learning about the history, culture and heritage of the community.

There are numerous historical sites throughout the Territory, said Christopher Varlack, Government Archivist, and the purpose of the Historical Research Awards is to ‘promote, encourage and record’ local history. This is the second year for the awards, and people of all ages are welcome to enter, Varlack said.

Interesting results came from last year’s competition, he said. The Elmore Stoutt High School ’s theatrical interpretation of a West African folk tale got notice for its creativity, and he said the contest is open to interpretation of history using other artistic forms of expression.

Five people shared $2,000 in prize money, according to an Archive Unit newsletter. The participants provided feedback on their research, commenting that they wished Government officials were more willing to share their documents and local history was taught in schools. One participant wanted advice on how to preserve his church’s old records.

This year’s contest focuses on historical sites, Varlack said. The deadline for submissions is November 1, and registration forms, rules and guidelines are available from the Help Desk at the Central Administration Building and the Archives Unit, located at the second floor of the Burhym Building in Road Town .

For more information, please contact the Archives Unit of the Deputy Governor’s Office at 468-3701 ext. 2365, 3044 or 2562.

The entries will be judged by members of an ad hoc committee who are well acquainted with research methods. The committee is looking for in-depth studies, and Varlack said the Archives Department has historical resources available to assist with the projects. Unique to the contest, Varlack said researchers from Carrot Bay used information specific to the Territory, bringing genealogy records into their project.

The Territory is a regional anomaly because so many people were able to own land straight out of slavery, he said, a blessing that has led to some land disputes.

Because the past is not dead, as American novelist and historian William Faulkner said, it is not even past.

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