Oct. 14, 2008 — Some of the records that contain the Virgin Islands' history are well-preserved, but others are in danger of perishing, a dozen St. Croix residents learned Monday during a workshop on genealogy.
At different repositories some archives are in excellent shape, but some important artifacts, maps and records stored in the territory face serious threats, preservationists said during the Archives Month event.
In the workshop at the Florence Williams Public Library, Susan Lugo, territorial coordinator of archives, told of the climate-control problems libraries face in the Caribbean. Attendees learned about reels of local films from WTJX, the PBS station, that are curled and brittle. They saw gummed labels falling off canisters of film and tin film canisters so corroded they wouldn't open. They also saw VHS tapes with white mold growing on them and felt brittle microfilms of property records.
Edgar Lake, cultural researcher for the Department of Education, suggested showing young people these items and the importance of stewardship.
"We can show them the consequences of the environment," Lake said.
Hurricanes Hugo on St. Croix and Marilyn on St. Thomas have been a problem for the library archives.
"After Hurricane Marilyn, the library on St. Thomas was without air conditioning for three years," Lugo said. "A lot was ruined and labels were lost. The Von Scholton collection was in bad shape."
Lugo, who came on board as the coordinator for archives in January, told the group of the monumental task of going through boxes, files and items piled on floors and shelves and doing an inventory. The territory did not have an archivist for 15 years, she said.
"It's frightening we don't know what we have," Lugo said.
She wants to put systems and procedures in place to meet the needs of the public using the archives. Researchers looking for information should not have a difficult time looking, she said.
The Enid M. Baa Library on St. Thomas houses 40,000 photos, Lugo said. Some of the photos are from the Department of Public Works and the press offices of past governors and lieutenant governors. A lot of the photos have no descriptions.
The group got a hands-on experience at the workshop. They donned white gloves and learned how to handle photos, as well as what it takes to describe and identify them.
Lugo gave the attendees websites to visit for genealogy research. She offered instructions on how to maneuver through websites such as the Library of Congress to access V.I. photos. She also talked about who owns the rights to documents and photos, and discussed copyright laws.
"I'm here to get clues in other areas of research," said Bill Cissel, local historian and retired Park Service manager. "This is never-ending detective work. I'm interested in all history and larger connections we have with the world."
Lugo told how to do rubbings on grave stones to get a clearer look at the inscriptions.
She is working on a grant proposal for $40,000 for conservation needs.
"It is going to be awhile until we get the grant," Lugo said. "Some things are starting to crumble, so sooner is better."
Her goal right now is to concentrate on the Caribbean Collection and Danish West Indies material, and get it all recorded.
"It's nice to get the ball rolling," Lugo said. "I'm only one person, though, and I need the help of the community to get things in order."
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