ST THOMAS — Since 1966, St. Thomas Historical Trust has initiated several restoration projects, public-private partnerships, historic research, and community events in their mission to identify, protect, and preserve the history, sites, and culture of St. Thomas. Today, the Historical Trust is focused more on providing locals and visitors opportunities to learn more about museums, exhibits, and the culture of the territory through its tours and events.
Two tours are available through St. Thomas Historical Trust — one to the historic 135-acre property Hassel Island, and one to the Downtown Walking Tour in Charlotte Amalie. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, guests can learn more about early Danish and British colonial history with visits to the three accessible government sites on Hassel Island — the Garrison House, Prince Frederick’s Battery at sea level, and Cowell’s Battery and Signal Station. The tour is approximately 1 to 2 hours long and is available on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The cost is $75 per person, with a minimum requirement of 2 guests and a maximum of 8; 72 hours’ notice is required.
On the Downtown Walking Tour, guests will explore one of the “jewels of the Caribbean” in St. Thomas’s capital town of Charlotte Amalie. Led by a trained and knowledgeable guide, guests will learn about 400 years of Virgin Islands history through the historic buildings, architecture, culture, and stories. Site visits include Fort Christian, Grand Hotel, Fredrick Lutheran Church, 99 Steps, Hotel 1829, Hamburg-American Steam Ship Headquarters, De Lugo Post Office Art, Camille Pissarro Building, and Creque Alley, to name a few. Tours are available on Tuesday and Thursday at 9am and take approximately 2-3 hours. The cost is $55.20 per person, with a minimum requirement of 2 guests and maximum of 15; at least 48 hours’ notice is required. The Historical Trust also operates a museum in downtown Charlotte Amalie between Main Street and the Waterfront. Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am to 3pm, visitors can get an up-close-andpersonal look at artifacts that stem back to the time when the U.S. Virgin Islands was knows as the Danish West Indies. Sculptures, books, furniture, clothing, records, and more that detail the island’s history are on display at the museum.
Visitors are welcome to stop by the museum, located at 5332 Raadets Gade between Main Street and the Waterfront, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am to 3pm. To learn more about St. Thomas Historical Trust, visit their website at www.stthomashistoricaltrust.org.
Written by Anquanette Gaspard agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com
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