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The
The St.Christopher Heritage Society (SCHS), from its inception in
1989, has consistently advocated the establishment of a national
museum in the capital city and this initiative from the Government
is warmly welcomed.
This building is to be restored - a major undertaking in itself
- and converted into a museum and a headquarters for the Society.
For this, our special committee is working with the Government and
the firm of consultants designated to implement this phase of the
project.
The management of a museum of the people is no mean task and we
will need the inputs of, not only our membership, but of the community,
and of friends and colleagues abroad. We are dedicated to the task
ahead.
The Treasury Building will remain an imposing landmark even after
the town expansion and cruise ship berthing facility is completed.
Indeed, it will regain its stature as the Gateway to Basseterre,
as passengers will pass through to enter the historic centre of
the city. The presence of the SCHS and the National Museum in this
building will ensure that the role of our small island in shaping
the history of the region and beyond will be highlighted and more
deeply understood and appreciated. It must be the symbol of the
high value we place on our environment, culture and history.
Just recently an original 1758 Belini map of St. Kitts and Nevis
came on the market at a cost of US$1000 and the SCHS is soliciting
donations from the local community and its membership towards its
purchase. It is expected that this will be the first of such items
that will need to be acquired to make up a collection for display
in the National Museum. For this reason it has been decided that
a Fund specifically for the acquisition of potential museum exhibits
would be established. |
