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A major cultural preservation milestone has been announced by the Nevis Historical & Conservation Society (NHCS), following the securing of US$52,000 to digitise the island’s archival heritage.
Support for the project is being provided by the Government and People of Japan through UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme, with implementation assistance from the UNESCO Regional Office for the Caribbean and the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO. The initiative is designed to strengthen the protection and accessibility of fragile documentary materials.
Within the Nevis Island Archives, numerous documents, photographs, and historical records are currently exposed to environmental risks, including humidity, climate change impacts, and natural disasters. Digitisation efforts will ensure these materials are preserved in secure digital formats while also broadening public access for research and educational use.
Project implementation will include systematic digitisation of priority archival collections, development of structured metadata systems to improve organisation and retrieval, and upgrades to long-term digital preservation infrastructure. Training for local archival staff in preservation and digitisation techniques forms a key component, alongside collaboration with Nevisian visual artist Stacey Tyrell to strengthen local capacity-building initiatives.
Since its establishment in 1980, NHCS has served as a cornerstone institution for heritage management on the island, overseeing the Nevis Island Archives, the Museum of Nevis History, and the Alexander Hamilton Museum, all of which contribute to the preservation and promotion of Nevis’ cultural identity.
“Nevis has lost important records over time. Digitisation helps secure what remains and makes it accessible for future generations,” said Terysia Herbert, Executive Director of NHCS.
“This project protects vital archives while expanding access for education and research. It is a step from vulnerability to resilience,” noted UNESCO Representative Eric Falt.
“This support strengthens national efforts to preserve Nevis’ documentary heritage and reflects strong international partnership,” stated H.E. Nerys Dockery, Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO.
Alignment with UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme situates the initiative within a global framework aimed at safeguarding documentary heritage at risk while enhancing access to historical knowledge. The project is expected to significantly improve the long-term preservation and visibility of Nevis’ archival collections.
Implementation is scheduled to begin in the coming months, with NHCS confirming that regular updates will be provided to the public as work progresses.
Source: Nevis Historical & Conservation Society (NHCS)
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