The Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums will celebrate “Virgin Islands Archives Month” during October. Since 2006, American Archives Month has given the profession an opportunity to remind people that items that are important to them are being preserved, cataloged and made accessible by archivists, according to a press release issued on Monday by the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR).
“With the Centennial observance of Transfer Day only six months away, Virgin Islands Archives Month provides an occasion for archival repositories throughout the territory to publicize the many ways historical records enrich our lives and to recognize the work of those individuals and entities who maintain our community’s historical records,” said Commissioner Dawn L. Henry Esq.
The purpose of archives and special collection repositories in the Virgin Islands is to collect, preserve, protect and provide access to the territory’s history for present and future generations.
The Territorial Archives, as well as other religious, business and private archives, maintain custody of, care for and provide access to collections of artifacts, electronic records and manuscripts rich in the historical, social, cultural, scientific and governance heritage of the territory, as well as the wider Caribbean.
“In addition to its responsibility for managing and collecting government records, the Territorial Archives also has a responsibility to increase the public’s awareness of the value of preserving and providing access to those records as information resources for Virgin Islands history,” said Susan Lugo, territorial archivist.
“The Territorial Archives is a unit of the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums in the Department of Planning and Natural Resources,” said Ingrid Bough, territorial director. “We urge all Virgin Islanders to observe Archives Month by supporting the Territorial Archives and its government records management and historical records preservation responsibilities,” said Director Bough.
For more information on Archives Month and the work of the Territorial Archives, contact Susan Laura Lugo via e-mail at susan.lugo@dpnr.vi.gov or at the Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library 774-0630.
