Crucian confusion: memory-making on the island of St. Croix
Date
2021
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
In determining historic sites’ merit for preservation on the island of St. Croix
in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), discomfort frequently arises between
preservationists, historians and local communities. Experts' scholarly experience often
comes in tension with the lived experiences of those who reside on the island.
Differences of opinion about cultural heritage become even more fraught when
relationships between interest groups mimic the power dynamics of colonialism. Black
Crucian communities are often disenfranchised from their own local history in favor
of that produced and directed by white foreigners. Sugar plantations, rum factories,
and even natural landmarks like trees can easily become disassociated with their
complicated colonial pasts. This thesis explores these tensions on the island of St.
Croix by studying the history of imperialism, preservation, and material culture on the
island. Through the use of case studies this thesis explores how and why Crucians
prioritize certain histories and historic sites that support Crucian values and needs.
Rather than being unattuned to cultural heritage, as some have suggested, Crucians
advocate in multiple ways for preservation choices and techniques that more closely
align with local knowledge of land, people, and material culture. Drawing on
scholarship related to Black ecologies and the concept of rememory, this thesis
highlights the importance of collaborative work between community members and
preservationists to achieve local cultural sovereignty.
Description
Keywords
Crucian, Memory making, St. Croix