Here, we share a brief call to action by Dr. Michael Connors, who reminds us of the ongoing deterioration of the Whim Museum, which was listed as one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP). As Dr. Connors points out in a previous article in the Virgin Islands Daily News, “The irony of being named one of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places is that it was meant to catalyze preservation efforts, [but] instead, progress continues to be stalled…” Representing the Save Whim Museum Advocacy Group, Connors underline the importance of the Whim Museum as a symbol of St. Croix’s cultural heritage.
The Whim Museum Windmill, located at Estate Whim in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, once stood as a testament to the island’s cultural heritage. Constructed in the 18th century, it was part of a complex that included various types of mills—animal, wind, and steam—used in sugar production. Historical photographs, such as those from the Library of Congress, depict the windmill in its prime, showcasing its architectural significance and role in the island’s cultural heritage.
However, over the past decade, the windmill has suffered from neglect and lack of maintenance. A recent inspection indicates that the structure has deteriorated significantly, with visible damage to its foundation and walls. This decline has been attributed to the present leadership’s “demolition by neglect,” a term used to describe the gradual destruction of historic properties due to insufficient care and preservation efforts.
The current state of the windmill is a stark contrast to its former glory. Once a symbol of St. Croix’s cultural heritage, it now stands as a poignant reminder of the challenges in preserving historical landmarks. Save Whim Museum Advocacy Group and local historians continue to call for a change of Whim Museum’s leadership, and for better restoration and conservation efforts to save the windmill and other structures at Estate Whim Museum emphasizing the importance of maintaining these sites for future generations.
For those interested in the history and preservation of the Whim Museum Windmill, Save Whim Museum Advocacy Group can provide detailed accounts and photographs documenting its present condition and Save Whim Museum Advocacy Group’s ongoing efforts to restore the museum’s structures and buildings.
Source : https://www.facebook.com/michael.connors.12382
Also see https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/opinion/whim-museum-s-deterioration-and-decline-persist-unchecked/article_a1727f53-903b-4ae0-8f0a-1eb1287bab00.html