This insightful lecture delves into the historical significance of Maroon Country in the Virgin Islands, an area steeped in rich and complex history. Maroon Country, known for its role as a refuge for escaped enslaved Africans, stands as a testament to the resilience and struggle for freedom that marked the era of slavery in the Caribbean. The video examines the geographical, cultural, and historical aspects of Maroon Country, highlighting its importance as a symbol of resistance and liberation. It sheds light on the lives of the Maroons, their survival strategies, and their impact on the socio-political landscape of the Virgin Islands. The narrative intertwines the struggles and triumphs of the Maroons with the broader context of Caribbean history, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal chapter in the Virgin Islands' past. Ideal for students, educators, and history enthusiasts, this video provides a compelling look at a crucial aspect of Caribbean heritage, encouraging a deeper appreciation and understanding of the territory's complex history.

A Historical Ecology of Slavery in the Danish WThis lecture by Justin Dunnavant at UC Santa Cruz focuses on the intersection of historical ecology and slavery in the Danish West Indies. He delves into various aspects, including the impact of the slave trade globally, archaeological methods for studying slave shipwrecks, and the ongoing relevance of archaeology in contemporary communities.

The key takeaway from this lecture is a deeper understanding of how the slave trade influenced global ecosystems and societies, particularly through the lens of historical ecology. Dunnavant emphasizes the critical role of archaeology in uncovering the material histories of enslaved peoples and how these insights can guide contemporary cultural and environmental preservation.

Pre-Watch Preparation
Contextual Background: Provide students with a background on the Danish West Indies, the transatlantic slave trade, and basic principles of archaeology and ecology. This could be in the form of a short reading assignment or a classroom lecture.
Key Vocabulary: Introduce key terms and concepts that will appear in the video, such as "historical ecology," "maritime archaeology," and "sustainable archaeology," to ensure students are not bogged down by unfamiliar terminology.

Justin Dunnavant begins the lecture by outlining his research focus on the historical ecology of slavery in the Danish West Indies, emphasizing the integration of archaeological methods with ecological awareness.

He introduces the significance of the transatlantic slave trade in shaping the economic and cultural landscapes of the Virgin Islands, with particular attention to the archaeological evidence from shipwrecks.

Dunnavant discusses his work at the Estate Little Princess, a former Danish plantation on St. Croix, describing the artifacts found and their cultural implications.

The lecture highlights the environmental impacts of slavery, such as deforestation and landscape modification, which were integral to the plantation economy.

The role of community involvement in archaeological practice is underscored, promoting an inclusive approach to studying and preserving history.

Dunnavant presents a case for sustainable archaeology that respects both cultural heritage and the natural environment, aiming to mitigate the impacts of archaeological activities.

The talk concludes with a discussion on the importance of continued research and education to further explore the complex legacies of slavery in the Caribbean.

This short educational film highlights the work of Senator Theovald Moorehead in the US Virgin Islands and his activism to promote a happy island for all, not just for tourists. The film cautions against the gentrification and tourism-dominated space on St. John, which has resulted in the loss of deep culture. The documentary is structured to educate and engage the community. It features Virgin Islanders discussing Senator Moorehead's life and work, analyzing his vision for St. John, and inspiring their fellow Virgin Islanders to dream and create a better future for their island.

International Day for Monuments discussion with Former Senator Myron Jackson about the bust of King Christian the IX being removed from the Emancipation Gardens public space as a result of public outcry.

The measure appropriates $20,000 from the St. Thomas Capital Improvement Fund to cover the cost of removing and replacing the sculpture. Additionally, the program promotes new discourses, alternative and nuanced approaches to established historical narratives, and promotes inclusive and diverse points of view.

This is a video entitled United States Buys the Virgin Islands. It is a recording of the transfer documents being signed in 1917.

The lesson plan "Exploring Emancipation: A Digital Walking Tour of Frederiksted" offers a unique and engaging educational experience that delves into the historical significance of Frederiksted, a place where the 1848 emancipation of all enslaved individuals in the then Danish West Indies was achieved through the resolute efforts of the enslaved themselves. Collaboratively developed by the Crucian Nature and Tourism Organization and the Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education, this lesson plan aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Frederiksted as an emancipatory stronghold, with a focus on the layered post-1848 emancipation evolution. The lesson is thoughtfully designed to align with the 175th commemoration of the 1848 Emancipation Act, and it fosters peer-to-peer learning while incorporating integrated activities centered around locally significant themes.

This lesson plan is an integration of technology and USVI History. The plan can be tweaked as needed for students in all grade levels.  Please note that this lesson plan was part of a requirement for the "Comprehensive Literacy State Development - Cohort 4" course. 

This lesson plan was developed by English Teacher Regina Keels in collaboration with local poet, historian, and writer Richard Schrader.  In this lesson, students will learn about the 1848 Slave Rebellion that led to the emancipation of enslaved Afticans in the Danish West Indies and write and present their own expression of the events. 

Melvin Herbert Evans is the Virgin Islands' first elected governor. Evans graduated from Howard University with a B.S. in 1940 and from the Howard College of Medicine with an M.D. four years later, following graduation from high school on St. Thomas. He then worked in a variety of medical and public health positions for the United States and the Virgin Islands.

The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
Vol. 22, The United States and Latin America (Jul., 1903), pp. 99-110 (12 pages)

This reading lesson is intervention for first graders students. Using the text Our Heroes: From A to Z,  by Harold W. L. Willocks, teacher will guide students in reading,  and also enhance their understanding of the qualities that makes outstanding virgin Island heroes. Image: Picture of book cover provided by Susan Jones

In Episode 2 of Crucian Cultural Cuisine, the Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition Director Sommer Sibilly-Brown learns how to make Benye with Norma Pemberton-Llanos

Reexamination of the Insular Cases

Decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in the first decade of the 20th century, the Insular Cases are a series of decisions that established the status of the residents of territories which had recently been acquired by the United States during and immediately after the Spanish-American War. These cases remain the basis for the relationship between the territories and the rest of the United States.1 Many attorneys in the territories say the Insular Cases are the reason they went to law school. However, the Insular Cases are much less well known outside of the territories and are not included in some law school curricula.

Slavery in the Caribbean is a 2009 WebQuest developed by Jennifa Mohammed in fulfillment of technology course at the University of the Virgin Islands. Working in groups of three, students are required to research general information on slavery in three Caribbean islands chosen from a provided list. Each group is required to create a PowerPoint presentation to inform classmates on the group's findings. Presentation of the PowerPoint must be from the viewpoint of a slave in that particular island during slavery. Students will discuss comparisons between slavery in the various islands.

This is a teacher-made PowerPoint slide that can be used by the Virgin Islands History Teachers for discussing the lesson: Transfer Day. The term "Transfer Day" refers to the day that the Danish West Indies officially became a part of the United States,  the US  Virgin Islands. On March 31, 1917, at 4:00 p.m., the United States paid Denmark $25,000,000 for the Danish West Indies. Disclaimer:  The original content, video, and image rights do not belong to me. In the references section, proper acknowledgment is provided.

From June - July 2023, the U.S. Virgin Islands commemorated 175 Years of Emancipation. This booklet, considered an instructional tool, iconic cultural bearers Ten Sleepless Knights (TSK) reflected on how far Virgin Islanders have come as a people. In the words of TSK INC, "In 2023, we are able to look back and evaluate how our lives today have been shaped by events of July 3, 1848. "As an institution, slavery was a brutal and oppressive system that controlled the day to day existence of our ancestors. The bravery and determination of many individuals who wanted a better future for themselves and their loved ones were largely responsible for bringing an end to this evil institution." The booklet is intended to be utilized as an instructional tool for educators locally and beyond.