“H” is For Heritage

“H” is For Heritage

By Lilli Azevedo

Have you seen these signs and wondered what the “H” stands for?  The “H” is for Anguilla’s heritage and is part of an initiative to promote Anguilla’s heritage through education and tourism.  The signs which have been printed by Ron’s sign shop have been placed around the Island as part of the Anguilla Heritage Trail. 

The trail which has been promoted widely over the past weeks celebrates ten sites selected by Public vote last year.  They are 1) Heritage Collection in East End, 2) Valley Well/Water Works, 3) KoalKeel/Warden’s Place, 4) Old Court House, 5) Katouche Bay, 6) The Pumphouse, 7) Rendezvous Bay, Road Bay, 9) Wallblake House, and 10) The Factory.  The trail is free although if you wish to go into the Colville Petty’s Heritage Collection, there is a nominal charge ($5 for adults and $3 for children).

Tuesday June 1, or the day after Anguilla Day 2010 will mark the public opening of the trail.  The trail is a joint project supported by the Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Society (AAHS), the Anguilla National Trust (ANT), the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB), the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association (AHTA) and individual and corporate donors. 

At the opening at 5PM at the Pumphouse in Sandy Ground, the marker at the Pumphouse will be revealed along with nine other plaques which will be placed at each historic site over the next weeks. The plaques which have been carved by local artisan/craftsman Cheddie Richardson, will be mounted in a large boulder which has been placed at each site by Rayme Lake and Anguilla Masonry. 

The Anguilla Heritage Trail has been a local project, made possible through the dedication and support of Anguillians and residents, alike.  Generous in-kind and monetary donations have made this project possible. 

In additional to the engraved boulders and “H” signs, there is a detailed brochure which not only describes the sites along the trail but also gives the history of Anguilla and a map of the entire route.  Copies will be available at the opening and after. 

The trail was initially designed and funds rose for its creation by a group of interested Anguillians and residents who believe that recognizing, promoting, and preserving Anguilla’s heritage is an important part of the Island’s future growth.  Heritage tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in tourism around the globe but at present less than 3% of Anguilla’s visitors participate in heritage-related activities.  The Heritage Trail represents a small but significant step towards creating a richer visitor-experience. 

Even more importantly, the trail is an educational tool for the island’s children.  It is important for kids growing up on Anguilla to understand what makes them special as Anguillians.  In designing the logo for the trail, 5^th and 6^th grade students from the Island’s primary schools were encouraged to submit their ideas for a logo.  Seven honourable drawings will be recognised at the public opening and each student will receive a one-year subscription to the Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Society.