The French Heritage Museum, located on the island of St. Thomas, is more than just a collection of artifacts; it’s a tribute to the enduring spirit of the French community.
First opening its doors in 2004, the museum has served as a living memorial to the ancestors of the French community, as well as a gathering space for descendants to explore their roots. The museum is itself a piece of history. Originally built as a fire station in 1944, the building has been repurposed several times to support the needs of the growing Frenchtown community, including serving as a kindergarten and later transitioning into a health clinic.
In 2004, the Frenchtown Civic Organization, a cornerstone of the community since 1957, transformed the space into a cultural museum. Henry Richardson, president of the FTCO, believes that the French Heritage Museum is an important step in the movement toward cultural preservation and revival.
“With advocacy from Senator Lorraine Berry, the museum was secured as a permanent home for French heritage, but its mission is far from complete. Today it stands as a testament to generations of contributions from the North Side and Frenchtown communities, both to their own small neighborhood communities and then to the Virgin Islands at large,” said Richardson.
Walking into the museum feels like a step back in time; shelves overflow with family portraits, model sailboats, handwoven fishing nets, and antique furniture. These items hold not just historical value but emotional weight, as everything in the museum has been donated by families who wish to contribute to the preservation of French and Virgin Islands’ culture and history.
“These objects are keepsakes of the heart. We dream of transitioning to a larger space with educational programs and tourism partnerships that can bring French Caribbean history to life. Additionally, a larger space would allow us the flexibility to expand our displays and really bring the stories behind these heirloom pieces and family histories to life,” said Richardson.
To realize this vision, the museum needs community support and involvement. Families from Northside and Frenchtown are encouraged to donate family heirlooms to ensure that these invaluable stories are preserved and endured. Additionally, volunteers are always welcome to support archiving, guided tours, and event initiatives. Lastly, financial contributions would help improve exhibits, enhance marketing efforts, and foster key partnerships with organizations such as the Tourism Department. “This isn’t the FTCO’s museum; it belongs to everyone who has their history reflected here,” says Richardson.
The French Heritage Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where visitors and residents alike can visit the space and participate in a guided tour. Private tours are also available upon request.
For more information or to make donations, the French Heritage Museum can be contacted at 340-714-2583 or emailed at frenchhmuseum@gmail.com. Additionally, the community is invited to follow the French Heritage Museum’s Facebook page, which actively shares historical archives and information about upcoming events, generating meaningful discussions that everyone is welcome to participate in.
St. Croix Source
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