Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698753499778.pdf (Saint Kitts and Nevis)
HERITAGE MATTERS V O L U M E 1 - 2 0 1 8 J A N U A R Y - A P R I L I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Restoration to Begin at Spooner’s Ginnery Intensive Conservation Training Expected to Boost SCNT Resources National Trust Building Update Trust to Host ANSAR Delegates Mukiti Documentation Centre & TDC Reading Room: Important National Resources Trust Partners with Youth Volunteer Corps Heritage House Storytelling Series Returns This Summer Trust to Host Members' Appreciation Week in June From Our National Register of Heritage Places 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 Meet the Artists 7 New Species of Lizard Found on St. Kitts History & Heritage Month Picture Gallery 8 9 Emancipation Journey Exhibit Draws Hundreds 10 Author Donates New Book to Doc Centre 11 Trust Welcomes New Team Members 11 12 Trust Hosts Free Screenings of Acclaimed Caribbean Documentaries Executive Director Calls For ‘Enthusiastic Support’ For Heritage The National Trust launched its Annual Heritage Appeal Fund in January of this year with a goal to raised up to EC$500,000.
Our Annual Appeal Fundraiser is geared towards raising much need funds to facilitate the work of the Trust and to provide funding for ongoing projects during our financial year.

Since the launch in January, contributions to date are just shy of EC $12,000.

Thank you to those individuals and organizations who have partnered with us so far.

Your willingness to help ensures that we continue to achieve our Mission which is to preserve, protect and promote our natural, cultural and historical landscape.
The work of the National Trust is heavily dependent on contributions and donations from philanthropists and it is important to note that without the support of individuals and organizations in our communities and the Diaspora, the success of what we do will be severely restricted.

Over the last 18 months, we have been able to carry out several key projects such as:  Renovation of our a gift shop that supports local artist and provides our visitors with locally made artisan’s products.
 Renovation of our museum to present a more welcoming environment and a free flowing visitor friendly display of our history and culture.

 We have begun our educational campaign with the hosting of several special exhibits in our newly created special exhibit room.
 The children were creatively introduced to our history through a series of storytelling episodes during the summer of 2017, when we launched our annual Storytelling Series “Heritage House.”  Our executive offices and Research and Documentation Centre were also renovated to provide a more comforting environment for our visitors and researchers There are many more projects that have been identified to ensure that we continue to achieve our mission and to meet our goals and objectives.
Your financial contribution will play an integral role in how much we are able to do as an organization; therefore, we encourage you to be enthusiastic about the Trust and its work and give generously to our Annual Heritage Appeal Fund.

All donors to the Fund will be our guests and will be acknowledged during our highly anticipated Heritage Gala scheduled for August 2018.
For more information or to make a contribution, please contact our offices on the Bay Road or email us at schs@sisterisles.kn Thank you for supporting the work of the St. Christopher National Trust.

P A G E 2 Restoration to Begin at Spooner’s Ginnery The first stage of the ambitious Spooner’s Ginnery Restoration Project is expected to be completed by the end of the summer, if all goes as expected.

This according to Project Manager Lindbergh Alvaranga.
“We are tackling the project in bite-sized chucks, starting with what we believe will be most impactful,” says Mr. Alvaranga, an architect who serves on the Trust’s Board of Directors and on its Building and Sites Committee.

The multi-phase project will see the restoration and development of the ginnery factory building and its equipment and establish a museum and gift shop.

Long term plans propose to restore the Great House and ancillary structures, including the Manager’s House and older ruins.
The Great House (built around 1870) will be used as a visitor centre, office and rental space for functions.

The Manager’s House will be developed for use as a gallery, restaurant and artisan’s centre.

The factory building, which was constructed in 1939 has long lost some of its metal siding, leaving the dramatic machine works that it houses, exposed to the elements.

Mr. Alvaranga explains that the first priority is “enveloping” the structure to halt further deterioration of the machinery.
To this end, the Trust has recently signed with a local contractor to begin this initial phase which will also see metal sheeting replaced, repairs carried out to some of the building’s structural elements and rehabilitation of its steel frame.

“We want to remain as faithful to the original structure as possible,” Mr. Alvaranga assures.
The Trust has received some assistance from the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation and is working with the government to secure the funding necessary to complete this first stage which is due to begin in June.

History of Spooner’s & Overview of the Restoration Project Spooner’s Estate is first referenced on a 1753 map which identifies it as an animal-driven sugar mill.

Later records show that it was converted to steam-powered milling in the 1870s.
During this period, the Estate functioned as one of several regional mills on St. Kitts.

Around 1900, its ownership changed hands and the new owners Sendall and Wade, were among the first planters in the Caribbean to successfully transition from sugar to cotton production.

In 1901 they installed the first ginnery on St. Kitts.

By 1907, 20, 000 acres of cotton were being cultivated in the West Indies.

From 1912-1914, St. Kitts and Nevis produced nearly a quarter of the region’s crop yield.
Spooner's Ginnery continued to operate until the 1970s when it was purchased by the government of St. Kitts and Nevis.

The property was vested in the St. Christopher National Trust in 2009.

What remains today are structures and ruins spanning three centuries and representing three major periods in the agro-industrial history of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Trust officials visit the Spooner’s site along with contractors and a Quantity Surveyor P A G E 3 Intensive Conservation Training Expected to Boost SCNT Resources The course included field trips to historic sites like Rome’s Fontana Di Trevi The St. Christopher National Trust enhanced its resource capacity with the training of three of its key personnel in understanding the challenges of the conservation of structures.
Members from the Course mingled with visitors at the Trevi Fountain Mr. Heyliger, the Chair of the Committee says that the course, “Effects of Pollution and Preventative Conservation on Outdoor Artifacts,” focused on maintenance of heritage structures and the challenges to that end.

Alvaranga, attended a week- long workshop in Italy hosted by the Instituto Superiore per la Conservazione ed il Restauro (ISCR).

Participants hailed primarily from Europe.


The Trust representatives were three of four Caribbean delegates to attend the training, which was sponsored by ISCR, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Rome (Italy) and the Ministry of Culture of St. Kitts and Nevis.

"Maintenance is critical to avoid deterioration and you retain the original structure and its authenticity," Mr. Heyliger said, emphasizing the importance of the National Trust having this sort of expertise within the organization.
Participants received crash courses in the chemistry of mold, crusts, deterioration and pollutants and their effects on older structures.

"If you want to repair a building, first you must analyze the material that was used, so that you can know how to repair it or what type of material to use, because then you can go back - once you've done your research and testing - understanding the most appropriate materials for restoration and conservation," Mr. Heyliger explained.
Building & Sites Committee Members Lindbergh Alvaranga (left) and Othneil Heyliger In March, Executive Directory Ryllis Percival and two members of the Trust’s Building and Sites Committee, Othneil Heyliger and Linbergh The workshops included visits to heritage sites and university laboratories where research and analysis of is conducted to continually improve methods of conservation.
Trust Executive Board Member Lindbergh Alvaranga and Executive Director Ryllis Percival at the iconic Coliseum Delegates included representatives from museums and heritage organizations like the National Trust as well as archaeology and architectural students.
The National Museum and Gift Shop are open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Saturdays Admission to the Museum for non-member residents/ nationals is EC$5.00 And for visitors US$5.00 The National Trust Office and Documentation Are open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday P A G E 4 National Trust Building Update The iconic “Old Treasury Building,” home to the St. Christopher National Trust, is structurally sound though in dire need of repair.
This has been the finding of Trinidadian-based Structural Structural engineer Danielle Steele is hoisted up to the building’s parapet in the bucket of a SKELEC service truck Engineer, Danielle Steele.

Ms Steele and Heritage Restoration and Maintenance Consultant, Justin Charles, visited St. Kitts last December and made a preliminary assessment of the building.

She returned in February (2018) to conduct further analysis and mapping of the cracks on the building.
She has since reported that the building is structurally sound.

Further reassuring news from Steele, is that the cracks around the building do not appear to be expanding, however, the parapet wall on the roof of the over- century old structure, is deteriorating.

Stele and Charles’ initial assessment determined that the cracks in the building and peeling paint are due to the application of a more modern cement formula during previous repairs.
This hinders the original limestone mortar from ‘breathing’ and caused the building to retain water.

As a result significant cracks began to appear in interior and exterior walls.

The Trust has been in discussions with the Master Group Industrial Development Company of Puerto Rico as a source for products used to restore historic buildings.

Master manufactures paints and sealants specifically designed for older structures.
A specialist from the company visited the Trust to conduct tests to determine the most suitably formulated products for the building.

While applying product to the walls of the National Museum, Master’s Kenneth Klotzback conducted a demonstration for a group of local contractors, painters, tradespersons, Public Works personnel and a number of prisoners who have been invited to assist with the repairs of the building.
Kenneth Klotzback gives application demonstration to industry personnel With Ms Steele’s Structural Assessment Report and guidance from Justin Charles and his team, the next step for the National Trust is to develop a plan for restoration and secure funding for the project.

Trust to Host ANSAR Delegates The Trust is excited to partner with the ANSAR 2018 Local Organizing Committee to offer a very unique tour for delegates attending the conference in June.
"A Day at the Museum" is a tour that was designed to give visitors an opportunity to learn the history of our island.

It will include a personalized tour of our recently renovated Museum and a guided foot-tour around Basseterre.

stop at Government Headquarters to view historical documents at our National Archives.
The foot tour of Historic Basseterre will take participants to significant sites as well as a This unique Tour which is estimated to last approximately 3 hours will culminate at the National Trust Apron with a sumptuous National Dish luncheon and cultural entertainment.

Members, Visitors and other persons who are interested in participating in this unique tour are invited to register with the St. Christopher National Trust by calling (869) 465-5584 or email schs@sisterisles.kn.
Delegates at the conference can learn more about the Trust and support the work that we do by visiting our Exhibition Booth at the Conference Site Market Place.

The Tour is one of the fringe activities on the ANSAR Reunion program and is schedule to be held on Monday 25th June from 9 am.

Our staff and volunteers are looking forward to hosting our nationals and visitors on this new and exciting "A day at the Museum" Tour.
ANSAR 2018 is being hosted by the St. Kitts and Nevis Returning Nationals Association.

It is the 18th Reunion Conference of Anguilla, Nevis and St. Kitts Associations and will be this year in St Kitts and Nevis June 22-24 2018.

P A G E 5 By Jacqueline Armony Mukiti Documentation Centre and TDC Reading Room: Important National Resources government departments, local and foreign academics, visitors and the general public seeking information about the Federation.
The information feeds into the projects undertaken by the organization and of course is a major resource for the National Museum.

Today, the Documentation Centre holds a wide array of documents including books, university studies, project reports, photographs (some of which date to the early 20th century), cassettes, CDS and videos.

These records allow persons to better understand the social, political, economic and physical development of their country.
On April 1st 2005 the St. Christopher Heritage Society (SCHS) recognized the contribution of Mukti Fund and the local firm of TDC for its contribution to the upgrade and development of its Documentation Centre and Reading Room, two important facilities established by the organization from the very first days of its creation.
In July 1987 when the SCHS was formed it was recognized that nowhere in St. Kitts at the time was there a facility that allowed Kittitians public access to historical and other information about their country.

While important studies and projects had been undertaken in so many areas of the social, economic, geographical and cultural history of the island, these publications were not available on island and one would have to travel overseas to obtain it.
Unlike today, the National Archives was not managed as effectively as it is today and students, researchers and locals generally did not have an understanding and appreciation of the rich history and culture that had formed us as a people and a country.

While they focus on St. Kitts for the most part, information about Nevis and the rest of the region is also available.

This major information resource was inherited by the St. Christopher National Trust (SCNT), which evolved from the Heritage Society.
This important national resource centre is used by students, taxi drivers, While today people have access to a great deal of information via the internet, there is still much that is not available online and the SCNT Documentation Centre along with the National Archives, remain important repositories of information and knowledge.
Membership to the SCNT automatically brings with it free access to this resource as well as the National Museum, in a very large sense the facility that tries to bring to life the history and culture of our small Nation.

Major donations for its upgrade in the past have allowed for the "Doc Centre's" development, and the National Trust continues to seek further help in expanding our collection and upgrading our cataloguing system to build an even stronger resource.
Trust Partners with Youth Volunteer Corps The National Trust has been pleased to open its doors a number of volunteers from the Department of Youth Empowerment’s Volunteer Corps.

The Volunteer Corps is a programme that provides its participants with opportunities to offer their services to their communities and gives them a chance to network, gain work experience, learn new skills , and improve their employability.

Director of Youth Empowerment (Atg.)


Pierre Liburd tells the Trust that a significant number of the Corps’ participants had never volunteered before.

“It’s a wonderful developmental experience for them, and an opportunity to build their confidence and self esteem,” Mr. Liburd says.
Over the past few weeks, the Trust welcomed volunteers Shanique Evanson, Azadnia Liburd, Antonia Nisbett, Garnesha Smithen, Tawana Stevens Atoya Taylor, and Clavencia Warde, who assisted in all areas of our operations including the Museum and Documenation Centre.

“I’m pleased with the work done so far by the Volunteer Corps and appreciate the cooperation we’ve had with the organizations that have partnered with us.
Of course, we would like more organizations to get involved in community service, stated Liburd, going on to explain that the Department continues to seek partnerships with NGOs, CBOs, Faith-based organizations, even government agencies as long as they are utilizing the services of the volunteers to benefit the community in some way.

P A G E 6 Heritage House Storytelling Series Returns This Summer National Museum, in a room that will be transformed into a fun storytelling space.
the Trust was able to offer the entire 8- week series free of cost.

Storytellers are lining up for this summer’s Heritage House Children’s Storytelling Series.

The Inaugural series in 2017 was a huge success.

All sessions were booked to capacity and the feedback from parents and children was exceptionally positive.
Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards is hoping to be storyteller for the 2018 series The ‘Heritage House’ Series - launched in 2007 - is designed for children aged 6-12 years old - features stories about and set in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Followed by discussion time, participants are encouraged to talk about character development, their observations about the environment and relationships, and learn to unleash their creativity, inspiring them to value self- expression our culture and heritage.
Last year our storytellers included folklorist Creighton “Papa” George Pencheon, Attorney and Arts Patron Jihan Williams, Veterinarian Dr. Kimberley Stewart (the “Turtle Doctor”) and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Shawn Richards.

Parents have begun to inquire about the start of this year's summer series and so the Trust is once again appealing to interested persons and corporations to reach out and sponsor the cost of registration so that the Series can again be offered free of cost.
There is a $10 registration fee to cover the cost of supplies and a party on the last Saturday of the series.

Last year, upon the announcement of the launch of Heritage House, Caribelle Batik owner and National Trust Member Mr. Maurice Widdowson came forward and offered to pay the fees for twenty five children for the first two weeks.
The sessions will be hosted on Saturday mornings in July and August inside the Within about a week, businesses and individuals came forward to donate, and Creighton “Papa George” Pencheon taught the children traditional folksongs As the 2018 Heritage House gears up for launch, we are appealing to our friends to support this unique initiative designed to teach children about our country, our environment and heritage in a fun and interactive setting.
For more information about this year’s sessions and how you can help, please contact our Director of Visitor Experience Toni Frederick-Armstrong at toni@stchristophernationaltrust.kn or call 465-5584.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Trust to Host Members' Appreciation Week in June We appreciate our members and the valuable contributions that they make towards the work of the Trust.
It is for this reason that the Trust has marked out a day in June to honour its members and say thank you for being a part of the organization.

Last year June the Trust hosted its first Members' Appreciation social.

This was an event held on the Trust's Apron and included performances in dance, steel pan and other live entertainment.

This year the Trust has earmarked June 25th to 29th 2018 as Members' Appreciation Week.
The week will be full of benefits and giveaways such as * discounts up to 50% off on all of our branded items such as mugs, t-shirts and teddy bears * 50% off membership fee for all NEW members signing up during the week * Raffle entries to win prizes for all members who visit during the week * Prizes for persons who signs up the most new members * Daily specials and surprises for members who visit * Tours of our offices, museum and Doc Center We want to use the opportunity to let our members know what we are doing while we show our appreciation for their annual fina ncial support towards the work of the Trust.
The benefits of being a member includes volunteering opportunities, free entry to the National Museum, discount on Documentat ion Centre services, membership discounts in our gift shop, monthly newssheets and quarterly newsletters, ability to serve on the Board of Directors and standing committees and becoming an advocate for the protection and preservation of our history and heritage.

Membership is EC $50 annually for individuals and EC $250 annually for businesses.
The staff looks forward to welcoming all of our members and prospective members during our Members Appreciation Week 2018.

P A G E 7 From Our National Register of Heritage Places Brotherson’s Estate Brotherson’s Estate is located between Newton Ground and St. Paul’s, on the seaward side of the Island Main Road.

The estate is located in the former French section of the island (Cappisterre).

Historic maps indicate that it was established prior to 1680 and therefore, is most likely of the French origin.
However, the estate was named after Lewis Brotherson who owned the property in 1753.

The Brotherson family is known to have purchased numerous properties in the French section of St. Kitts in the early 18th century after the expulsion of the French, although no specific reference can be found.

Lewis Brotherson was very active in local politics and became President of the island’s council before his death in 1770.

Records suggest that the estate passed to his son, also named Lewis.
By 1828 the estate had increased in size to over 300 acres and was home to some 129 enslaved people.

By that time, it was the property of George Henry Burt, a descendant of Colonel William Burt, a Deputy Governor of Nevis in the seventeenth century.

Burt lived at Brotherson’s where he entertained officers from Brimstone Hill.

At the time of Emancipation in 1834, there were still 129 enslaved people recorded as living on the estate.
In the latter part of the nineteenth century steam technology was introduced to Brotherson’s.

It is believed that Stuart Davis, the planter husband of one of Burt’s three daughters, Anna Louisa, was responsible for its introduction.

The property passed down to his son Basil.

In 1920, the estate comprised of 661 ½ acres and was very likely leased by Hugh Russell Silver.
When the island’s sugar lands were nationalized in the 1970s, Basil Davis’ son, also named Stuart, lived in the Manager’s house and the property was still owned by Basil.

About the National Registry of Heritage Places The National Registry is the official place of record, listing historical sites, buildings, structures and objects that are significant to the history of St. Kitts.

This OAS-funded project is being administrated by the St. Christopher National Trust.
Meet the Artists The Heritage Matters ‘Meet the Artistes’ column showcases local creators, artists, crafts persons, writers, photographers and anyone creating work inspired by St. Kitts and Nevis.

Leonie Warner Young was born in Sandy Point, St Kitts.

In 1961 she immigrated with her parents and siblings to Birmingham, England.

A move to London allowed Leonie to further her career as a Personal Secretary for a large Organisation.
During this time she enrolled in art and pottery school to develop her already apparent artistic skills.

Painting and pottery rapidly became a hobby alongside working and caring for her family.

In 2000, Leonie returned to St Kitts with her husband Brian Young and quickly established herself as a local artist.

Leonie’s paintings typically are of St Kitts and Nevis, while her pottery reflects her attention to detail and form.
Her style in both medium is characterized by a language of vibrant colours that brings her subject matter to life.

She is able to capture the essence of beauty, detail and sometimes fragility that allows those viewing her work to live the experience.

Throughout her work she has demonstrated versatility and flair in the use of various mediums.

Originals of Leone’s work are available in the National Museum Gift Shop.

P A G E 8 Have You Got Your Hummingbird Feeder Yet?
The National Trust still has hummingbird feeders available to give to interested persons.

They come with a hook and a piece of wire which can be used to hang them from a tree out of the way of predators such as cats.

It may take a while for the birds to get used to them but not only Hummingbirds but Bananaquits and Bullfinches like them too!

You just need sugar and water to fill it.


One part sugar to 4 parts boiling water and allow to cool (the water or mixture is boiled to reduce the fermentation of the sugar).

After last year’s devastating hurricane season, birds around the Caribbean suffered from the the loss of habitat and food sources.

A Bananaquit using the hummingbird feeder Lisa Sorensen of Birds Caribbean arranged for feeders to be donated to many of the hardest hit islands but she was also able to source some for St. Kitts.
After some challenges with shipping, they finally arrived on island where the Trust has been asked to arrange their distribution to interested persons!

All you need to do is let us know if you would like one by calling 465-8854, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or email admin@stchristophernationaltrust.kn or kateorchard16@gmail.com.
Persons on Nevis can also get feeders by contact the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society by calling 469-5786 These beautiful feeders are absolutely free but we are asking for a donation of at least EC$5.00 to cover port and other costs.

Get yours today!
Get yours today!

New Species of Lizard Found on St. Kitts By Kate Orchard Visiting Antiguan environmentalist, Kevel Lindsay recently followed up on observations by faunal enthusiast Percy Hanley that there was an unusual lizard at Sand Bank Bay on the South East Peninsula.

Male In exploring the area, Lindsay and Hanley came across the new species.
With a wide array of plants and trees being imported into the island for hotel and other developments, it is easy for small creatures and their eggs to arrive with them.

The US-based Lindsay says that the lizard may fit into the environment and not cause any major changes to the native flora and fauna but it will need to be monitored.

Other plants and animals have caused major problems on the island in the past, like the pink mealy bug.
Male displaying The dilemma in the case of this new-to-the-island lizard, is deciding whether attempts should be made to eradicate the species before it causes problems or leave it alone and hope that all goes well.

The new species is the Cuban Anole (Anolis sagrei), and it has been introduced to many islands in the Caribbean, including St. Martin, St. Lucia, Grenada and Barbados, where it is displacing the local Anoles.
Female P A G E 9 HISTORY AND HERITAGE MONTH OF ACTIVITIES PICTURE GALLERY History and Heritage Month got underway in February under the theme History and Heritage: A Conduit to ‘Full’ Emancipation.

In honour of Sir Probyn Inniss, this year it was announced that the annual Lecture Series would be renamed The Sir Probyn Inniss Memorial Lecture Series and the Primary School Quiz’ trophy has also been named after him.
Sir Probyn, who passed away in 2017, was the founder of what initially started as History and Heritage Week.

As part of the month of activities, the National Trust opened its “Emancipation Journey” Exhibit at the museum and hosted the annual History and Heritage Hike.

Other activities included a Book Display at the Public Library, a panel discussion, a cultural fair, an Evening of the Arts in Nevis and a Seniors’ Social.
History and Heritage Month is organized by the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society in collaboration with a number of stakeholders including the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society, the St. Christopher National Trust, the University of the West Indies Open Campus, the CFB College, the Charles Halbert Public Library and the Ministries of Education and Culture.
Lady Rosamund Inniss unveils the new Sir Probyn Inniss Primary School Quiz Trophy at Launch of Month The Trust mounted the “Emancipation Journey” Exhibition at the National Museum Trust Patron, His Excellency The Governor General spoke at the lunch of the “Emancipation Journey” Exhibition Cayon Primary School won the coveted Primary School Quiz Trophy The CFBC History Club hosted a Cultural Fair In St. Kitts, the H&H Heritage Hike followed a trail from Golden Rock Estate, to Shadwell and ended at Buckley’s Nevis’ Heritage Hike took trekkers to Mount Travers Author & historian Whitman Browne presented a lecture on ‘St.
Kitts and Nevis: the Challenge to ‘Full Emancipation’ The Halbert Public Library mounted a Probyn Inniss book display An Evening with the Arts ( Nevis) celebrated the Georgian period .

Photo: Trust E.D.

Ryllis (left) Percival & Mrs. Sharon Brantley, wife of then Dep.

Premier Participating organizations attended service at the Zion Moravian Church An Evening with the Arts ( Nevis) celebrated the Georgian period .
Photo (l-r): Cindi Duncan, Percy Hanley (both of Brimstone Hill Society) and Trisha Griffin (NHCS) P A G E 1 0 Emancipation Journey Exhibit Draws Hundreds of Students Over three hundred students from Primary and High Schools across St. Kitts visited our recent Emancipation Journey Exhibit at the National Museum earlier this year.

The exhibit, hosted in collaboration with the National Archives, focused on the 100 year period following Emancipation.
Washington Archibald High School Maurice Hillier Junior Memorial School The original, handwritten Act for the Abolition of Slavery (The Emancipation Act) was the highlight of the exhibit, which ran from February 16th to March 16th.
In addition to the Book of Acts containing the Abolition of Slavery legislation, the Archives also loaned the museum the Book of Acts which contains the Masters and Servants Act, the Journal of Special Magistrate F Robinson Taylor which contains a case of apprentices bringing a suit against their owners, the Savings Bank General accounts showing accounts set up by Indian indentured servants and a volume of minutes containing the list of Madeirans (Portuguese) who arrived in St. Kitts in 1856 to work as indentured labourers following the end of Apprenticeship.
Saddlers High School Emancipation Journey also included a copy of the text of the Emancipation Proclamation and a compensation claim made by a former enslaver, for the loss of his ‘property.’ Students were given a guided tour of the exhibit by one of our museum attendants and discussed the issues surrounding Emancipation, the Apprenticeship period and the labour struggles during the period following the Abolition of Slavery.
The visits included a tour of the museum during which they had the opportunity to ask questions and handle select artifacts.

School groups are welcome to visit the museum and any of its special exhibits, at any time throughout the year.

Admission is free but schools must book in advance by calling the museum at 465 -5584.

A chaperone is required for every 15 students.


Dr. William Connor Primary School SKI Academy Cayon High School P A G E 1 1 Author Donates New Book to Doc Centre "From Siberia to St. Kitts" A Teacher’s Journey by Ira Simmonds is the biography of Zenaida Katzen.

St. Kitts- born Simmonds, a former student of Katzen's donated a copy of his book to the National Trust's Mukti Documentation Centre on a recent visit back home.
Ira Simmonds "I decided to donate this book because this teacher taught and touched so many of our lives in the 1960s and I realized that a number of generations after, no one knows about this woman and I think it's important since she was a very important part of her history," Mr. Simmonds said during his visit to the Trust.

Ms. Katzen arrived in St. Kitts in 1961 to fill a Mathematics vacancy at the Grammar School.
She soon switched to French and Spanish and by the time she retired in the late 1970s, is said to have revolutionized the way modern languages were taught in the region.

"There’re countless numbers of us who became linguists, who because of the languages we studied with her, the ability to speak in several languages has propelled us to wonderful careers," Mr. Simmonds indicated, before presenting a copy to National Trust Executive Director Ryllis Percival.
"Not just Kittitians need to know about her, but the entire world needs to know about her because she was born in Siberia, she grew up in China, created a school in Chile all before she came to St. Kitts at the age of 51.

So she's touched the lives of students the world over."

Ms Katzen become a part of the fabric of life on the island.

Her contribution to education has been described as immeasurable.
She often sourced funding from a wealthy family in Hong Kong to pay for students’ school uniforms, books, language trips abroad and university scholarships.

"Her life and her work is something that needs to be documented and that's why I decided to write this book," Mr. Simmonds said.

Ms Katzen and her mother and aunt who had accompanied her to St. Kitts, are all buried at Basseterre's Springfield cemetery.

"From Siberia to St. Kitts" is available for sale at the National Trust Gift Shop at EC$60.00.
Trust Welcomes New Team Members The National Trust s pleased to introduce three new members of staff who joined our team.

They are: Desiree “Des” Tyson, our new Gift Shop Supervisor brings with her experience as an entrepreneur with a background in accounts and customer service.

Zeke Boone joins us as our Projects and Sites Manager.

He has years of experience in security, carpentry and technical drawing.
The most recent addition to the Trust Team is Kristal Osborne, our Visitor Experience Assistant.. She has a background in office administration, customer service and social media administration.

The St. Christopher National Trust is ever grateful to those who have supported our events and made donations to the Trust and Museum over the past few months.
Thank you for partnering with us: Carib Brewery Thenford Grey Koscab St. Kitts Nevis The National Archives OOJJ’s Public Works Department St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force Valu Mart P A G E 1 2 Trust Hosts Free Screenings of Acclaimed Caribbean Documentaries The National Trust was pleased to host free film screenings of two documentaries by award-winning Martiniquan filmmaker Patrick Baucelin, “At the Time of the Sugar Islands” and “The Secrets of Caribbean Fortresses Pt.
2.” M. Baucelin, an author, producer and director, graciously provided the National Trust with copies of his films on a visit to St. Kitts on March 12th.

“The Secrets of Caribbean Fortresses Pt.

2” was screened for a number of school students from primary and secondary schools on St. Kitts.

A later screening of “At the Time of the Sugar Islands” on the same day, was attended by the Governor General Sir S.W.

Tapley Seaton GCMG, CVO, QC, JP and officials from the Tourism Authority.
Members of the National Trust were also invited to attend.

Admission was free but members were encouraged to make donations toward the Trust’s Building Restoration Fund.

“At the Time of the Sugar Islands” (Au Temps des Iles À Sucre) explores the mills on Caribbean plantations, and brings to life a period in the region’s history where the entire economy depended on the sugar trade.
The documentary includes the re-enactment of historical events surrounding sugar mills on various Caribbean islands including Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique and St. Kitts and Nevis.

The film, which runs about 45 minutes, has been nominated in film festivals in New York, Houston and Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, Baucelin's "The Secrets of Caribbean Fortresses Pt.

2" (Les Secrets des Forteresses de la Caraibe) recently received an honorable mention in California.
In addition to winning an award at the New York Film Festival, “Les Secrets…” is also nominated in Milan, is an official selection at the Pan-African festival in Cannes and is nominated for an award at the 51st International Festival in Houston, Texas.

"The Secrets of Caribbean Fortresses Pt.

2" (50 mins), transports viewers to a time when forts and fortresses represented the only defense against invasions.
Today, known or unknown, some lie in ruins, others are restored, all tell the story of the Caribbean’s tumultuous past.

The film looks at the marvels of the fortified architecture and their location, and through re-enactments invites us to push open the door and witness history.

It features, fortifications in a number of islands including Martinique, Guadeloupe, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica and St. Kitts.

M. Baucelin’s career producing films and documentaries centered on the Caribbean, spans over 30 years.
Last summer, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) presented him with its “Lifetime achievement Award” in recognition of his dedication, talent and work documenting the Caribbean culture throughout the years.

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