The Nevis Historical & Conservation Society (NHCS) in St. Kitts and Nevis, has secured US$52,000 to digitize and preserve the island’s archival heritage, protecting at-risk records and improving public access.
The project, funded by the People and Government of Japan through UNESCO’s Memory of the World Program, is implemented with support from the UNESCO Regional Office for the Caribbean and the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO.
It will safeguard vulnerable documents, photographs and records held at the Nevis Island Archives, which face ongoing threats from climate change, humidity, and natural hazards. In a small island context, strengthening archival preservation is critical to both cultural heritage and resilience.
Activities include digitizing priority materials, creating metadata, training local staff, and improving long-term digital storage. The project also includes collaboration with Nevisian visual artist Stacey Tyrell, supporting skills transfer and local capacity-building.
Founded in 1980, NHCS manages the Nevis Island Archives, the Museum of Nevis History and the Alexander Hamilton Museum, and plays a key role in preserving the island’s historical record. NHCS will begin implementation in the coming months and share updates with the public as the project progresses.
Nevis has lost important records over time. Digitization helps secure what remains and makes it accessible for future generations.
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.
Eric Falt, Regional Director and Representative of UNESCO
This support strengthens national efforts to preserve Nevis’ documentary heritage and reflects strong international partnership.
H.E. Nerys Dockery, Secretary General of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO
The initiative contributes to UNESCO’s broader efforts to safeguard documentary heritage at risk and strengthen the capacity of cultural institutions across the Caribbean.
UNESCO’s Memory of the World Program seeks to preserve and promote access to the world’s documentary heritage, recognizing its vital importance for history, culture, identity, education and knowledge-sharing.
Through its safeguarding efforts, the Program supports memory institutions in protecting documentary heritage that is vulnerable to neglect, deterioration, disaster and other threats.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/nevis-historical-conservation-society-advances-archive-digitization-unesco-and-japan-support?hub=701
