The Pre-America250 Program featured presentations on Alexander Hamilton’s ties to St. Croix, the economic potential of heritage tourism, and Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s proclamation establishing National Heritage Area Day and Founders Day as an annual observance in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The observance will be held annually during the fourth week of June, coinciding with National Caribbean American Heritage Month.
The event celebrated St. Croix’s distinction as the first National Heritage Area in a U.S. territory and the only one predominantly representing Caribbean American history and culture. The designation was signed into law in January 2023 by former President Joe Biden and recognizes the island’s biodiversity, historic architecture and contributions to American history.
Anthony Weeks, chair and CEO of SEDI-CASE and the governor’s Special Economic Envoy to Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region, called the designation “our superpower.”
“There are more than 300 cities in America, but only 62 National Heritage Areas,” Weeks said. “We are the only Caribbean American National Heritage Area.”
Weeks said the designation creates opportunities to grow heritage tourism, attract investment and preserve the island’s historic resources while strengthening the local economy.
He pointed to studies showing cultural heritage tourism accounts for roughly 40% of global tourism activity and said visitors seeking historical experiences typically stay longer and spend more than traditional leisure travelers.
Weeks also outlined plans to establish Christiansted as a “living walking museum” while promoting restoration projects that celebrate Alexander Hamilton’s connection to St. Croix and the island’s broader historical significance.
DLAM Territorial Director Amy Parker DeSorbo welcomed residents and community leaders, saying the library is more than a place for books.
“This is your community anchor,” she said. “We’re built for things like this.”
She said the partnership reflects DLAM’s commitment to promoting literacy, history and civic engagement while helping educate residents about St. Croix’s role in America’s story.
A historical presentation transported attendees back to 1766, describing Alexander Hamilton’s arrival as a young clerk in Christiansted, where he learned bookkeeping, international commerce and finance while witnessing the realities of a slave-based economy.
“As you pass 7-8 King Street in your daily life, I ask you to think of all that went into this property in the seven years when Alexander Hamilton absorbed life in Christiansted,” said the presenter.
Club Comanche General Manager Jamey Vanderwege also shared plans to restore the historic waterfront hotel, originally built in 1756, into what she described as a destination celebrating St. Croix’s history.
“This isn’t a hotel renovation,” Vanderwege said. “This is the revitalization of the beating heart of Christiansted.”
Bryan praised Weeks’ vision throughout his keynote address, describing him as someone willing to think beyond conventional ideas.
“When Anthony brings ideas to me, I’m the kind of person who says, ‘Let’s try it,” said Bryan.
The governor said St. Croix’s history is an economic asset capable of strengthening tourism, education and investment while preserving the territory’s cultural identity.
“Our story cannot be fully told without the story of the Virgin Islands, and particularly without the story of St. Croix,” Bryan said. “Preserving our past is essential to building our future.”
Bryan noted that as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary on July Fourth, the Virgin Islands has its own unique history, becoming part of the United States in 1917 after nearly 250 years under Danish rule.
He also highlighted recent investments in the Virgin Islands Territorial Park System and efforts to preserve historic sites while expanding educational opportunities for local students.
“We have to tell our stories,” Bryan said. “Our children and grandchildren cannot appreciate where we’re going if they don’t know where we’ve been.”
The evening concluded with a food demonstration by Chef Jamal of WOKAME Island Sushi Bar and Restaurant, historical exhibits, live entertainment and a block party outside the library.
Organizers said the initiative will expand beyond the annual celebration to include literacy campaigns, financial literacy workshops, heritage preservation activities and educational programming designed to connect Virgin Islanders with their history while promoting sustainable cultural and economic development.
