The Department of Culture in collaboration with the Regional Heritage Centre at Lancaster University invites the community to a cultural maritime display.

The exhibition commences today, Tuesday 6th November at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town, where the exhibit will be opened to the public from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The display is comprised of six banners which capture key elements of Virgin Islands' history and its relationship with England during the 18th and 19th centuries.  It also bears information relating to the ship, Abram.

The ship was named after the Honourable Abram Chalwill Hill, an important merchant/planter on Tortola who was also a part owner of the property of the Lancaster family partnership.  This family also has strong ties with the Virgin Islands for over a century.

Honourable Chalwill Hill was a man filled with humanitarian qualities, and one who made his mark in the history of the Virgin Islands.  He played a significant role in taking depositions against Arthur Hodge, a white plantation owner convicted for the murder of six of his slaves.  Mr. Chalwill Hill also petitioned for people of colour at that time, to own land and also decided to take a former slave as his wife.

Ms. Anne Lennard of the Department of Culture is urging everyone to come out and visit the display and learn about this aspect of Virgin Islands history.  A special appeal is being made to teachers and students to come out, enjoy and participate in the display, while learning about the history of the Virgin Islands. 

The display will be transferred to the sister islands for the benefit of all residents on the following dates: Anegada - November 24 and 25; Virgin Gorda - November 27 and 28; Jost Van Dyke - November 30.

Personnel at the Department of Culture also express gratitude and appreciation for the assistance received in contributing to the success of the exhibition from the following; The Lancaster University, The Recreation Trust as well as Mr. Stephen Payne and the support staff of The Multi-Purpose Sports Complex; The BVI Tourist Board and Ms. Ermin Penn; The Hamilton Lavity Stoutt Community College, Virgin Gorda Campus; Dr. Steve Lennard and Ms. Joann Hill.