The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) is undertaking significant modernisation and restructuring efforts at its maritime heritage facility, located within the Centre for Applied Marine Studies at the Paraquita Bay (South) Campus. Photo: HLSCC/Facebook/Alton Bertie

The renovation project at the maritime heritage facility, once completed, will modernise the facility and create a more welcoming, accessible, and engaging environment for visitors. HLSCC/Facebook/Alton Bertie

The college disclosed this in a press release announcing a special exhibition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Fancy Me. 

The initiative, the college explained, reflects its commitment to preserving Virgin Islands history while creating new opportunities for learning, engagement, and cultural appreciation.

Several initiatives are being developed as part of the transformation of the Virgin Islands Maritime Heritage Museum into the Virgin Islands Maritime Heritage Exhibit. 

Preserving VI story a priority- Rochelle Smith 

"Preserving the Virgin Islands story remains one of our institutional priorities…As we look toward the future of this space, we are equally committed to safeguarding the stories, experiences, and heritage that continue to define us,” said Director of the Jennie Wheatley Virgin Islands Studies Institute, Ms Rochelle Smith. 

The renovation project, once completed, will modernise the facility and create a more welcoming, accessible, and engaging environment for visitors. 

So far, the removal and archival cataloguing of artefacts and collections have been completed, as preparations continue for the next phase of development.

Due to the renovations, the Maritime Heritage Museum is temporarily closed to the public.

HLSCC said updates on the renovation and exhibit development will be shared in the months ahead and asked for the public's patience and support as improvements are completed.