The Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Society (AAHS) held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 13 August 2021 at the reconstructed Old Courthouse at Crocus Hill. The meeting was chaired by the outgoing Vice President Kenn Banks who welcome attendees and gave a brief report on the venue.
He explained that the Old Courthouse is the only remaining 18th Century Government building on the island. Up until 1955, when it was destroyed by Hurricane Alice it was the main administration building on the island housing the Courthouse, Treasury, Post Office, Customs and Prison. Since its destruction the remaining structure has continued to deteriorate with no real effort to have it restored. Its only occupation since that was after Hurricane Donna in 1960 when it was used as a makeshift shelter for persons who had lost their homes.
He also reported that the reconstruction was being funded Mr. Michael Taylor and his family. He is a US national, and Anguilla belonger who has had a home in Anguilla for over 30 years. The work is being carried out by Mr. Audley Carty and his crew. to complete the project.
One the building is completed it is that the restored building would be used as the home for the National Museum and Archives. The Government has agreed to set up a committee, led by the Department of Youth and Culture, to create the National Museum policy.
Mr. Aileen Smith the outgoing treasure made a brief report on the work of Mr Robert ‘Bob’ Conrich a longstanding board member who was recently deceased. A moment of silence was observed in his memory.
In the elections that followed a new Executive was selected to lead the work of the Society. It comprises of: Jansie Webster, President; Timothy Hodge Vice President; Kahlea James, Secretary; Aveline Wilson, Treasurer; and ordinary Members Aileen Smith and Kenn Banks. The first four persons will hold office for two years while the others will serve for one.
Following the business of the AGM the meeting was turned over to Ms. Elysia Petras, a PhD candidate in Anthropology at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA who is heading the archaeological project at Hughes Estate for her doctoral dissertation research. Ms Petras and Professor Paul Farnsworth has been carrying out research on historical sites in Anguilla for the past four years.
She began with a presentation of 3D imaging she recently created of some items of the AAHS collection of archeological artifacts. These images are now posted online and are available on the AAHS website. https://www.aahsanguilla.com/.
The second part of her presentation was on her work at Hughes Estate. She explained that Hughes Estate was a moderate to large 18-19th century sugar plantation located on the northern coast between Lower South Hill and Long Bay Village. A study of ceramic sherds collected from the surface of the property revealed an estimated period of occupancy from 1775-1825, with a median occupancy date of 1800.
The primary goal of the current project is to learn about histories of the enslaved individuals who lived and labored at Hughes Estate. Through of sub-terranian excavations the research will date and identify the function of site structures as well as learn about daily life at Hughes Estate.
The presentation included 3D imaging and maps created of the site, and pictures of the structures and artefacts recovered over the past two years.
The Executive would like express its thanks to all those who helped to make the AGM a success and ask that all persons who would like to join the Society and participate in its activities to contact the Board for further information by email: aahsanguilla@gmail.com.
– Press Release
(Publsihed without editing by The Anguillian newspaper)
