DPNR Celebrates International Museum Day On May 18

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announced on Thursday the celebration of International Museum Day, which takes place on May 18. The chosen theme for 2018 is “Hyper-Connected Museums: New Approaches, New Public”.

According to the International Council of Museums, the objective of International Museum Day is “to raise awareness that Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of culture and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples”.

In celebration, the Fort Christian National Historic Landmark Site on St. Thomas, seen above, will be hosting a month-long observance that will include several cultural activities and presentations to include:

• Exhibition of the works of sculptor Andy “Afreekan” Southwell and painter Peter “Pita” Gonzalez
• Cultural presentations by the Caribbean Ritual Cultural Dancers, Mungo Niles Cultural Dancers, St. Thomas Heritage Dancers, Storytelling by Glenn “Kwabena” Davis’ mentees and Ulla F. Muller Elementary School’s Bamboula Dancers
• Music by Aben Marrero on the steel pan and Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School’s Flambo Combo

The Fort Christian will offer half price to locals every Friday, as well as extended hours on the following dates:

Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Free admission for locals

Cultural Presentation between 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

• Aben Marrero on the steel pan — 11:00am – 11:30am and 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Story-telling by Glenn “Kwabena” Davis’ students — 11:30 a.m. – 12:00pm
• St. Thomas Heritage Dancers — 12:00pm – 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm * Half-priced admission for locals

Cultural Presentation between 5:30pm – 6:30pm

• Mungo Niles Cultural Dancers — 5:30pm – 5:45pm
• Ulla F. Muller Elementary School’s Cultural Dancers 5:45pm-6:00pm
• Mocko Jumbi — 6:00pm – 6:15pm

Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 10:00am – 2:00pm * Free admission for locals

Cultural Presentation between 11:00am – 1:00pm

• Bertha C. Bosculte Middle School Flambo Combo 11:00am-1:00pm
• Caribbean Ritual Dancers