July 11, 2003 – If you're interested in Coral Bay history, head out to John's Folly Learning Institute on July 18 for a presentation by a team of researchers. It will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"It's an exciting opportunity to learn about the changes over time and a deeper appreciation for the history of Coral Bay," said team member Crystal Fortwangler, who is working on her doctorate in anthropology and natural resources at the University of Michigan.
Fortwangler spends part of the year on St. John working on her projects, and she has made several presentations on the island's history to the public.
Fortwangler said the Coral Bay presentation will cover the area's history from 1900 to 2000.
She said the history is mainly based on interviews with the area's senior citizens, many of whom will be at the presentation. The team also used census records to develop a population time line, which covers areas like occupation, land use and religion.
"And there's a whole range of photos," Fortwangler said.
She said the team includes Alvis Christian, director of the John's Folly Learning Institute; residents Beulah Dalmida-Smith and Aldria Wade; and students Rebecca Jaggernauth, Zahur Anthony and Tasia Braithwaite. Historians Elroy Sprauve and Janet Burton served as advisers.
The history project was funded in part by a grant from the V.I. Humanities Council.
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