Early American Period
As part of VIAC’s Old Barracks Neighborhood Storytelling Project, Writer/Researcher Anurie D. Oliver developed two educational lessons designed to bring Virgin Islands history and culture into the classroom. “Virgin Islands Changemakers: Voices for Justice and Progress” introduces students to Rothschild “Polly” Francis, David Hamilton Jackson, Casper Holstein, and Ashley Totten and explores their contributions to labor rights, civil rights, education, political representation, and self-government. The “Virgin Islands Historical Newspaper Project” allows students to select and research an important person, event, issue, or movement in Virgin Islands history and creatively communicate what they learned by designing a newspaper poster complete with a headline, article, illustration, caption, and byline. Aligned with the Kallaloo Framework, the lessons place Virgin Islands history, culture, and community at the center of learning while encouraging active learning, critical thinking, civic engagement, cultural identity, and Virgin Islands pride. Through research, writing, art, and creative expression, students are encouraged to connect with their history, understand its continued influence on their communities, and recognize themselves as stakeholders in preserving and sharing Virgin Islands cultural knowledge.
Lesson 1
Virgin Islands Changemakers: for Justice and Progress
Lesson Plan
Featured Historical Figures
As you analyze the contributions of four influential Virgin Islanders keep the following in mind
- Identify common themes among their work, including advocacy, leadership, and social change.
- Evaluate how historical figures can inspire civic engagement today.
- Present findings using evidence and collaboration.
Ashley Totten
David Hamilton Jackson
Rothschild Francis
David Casper Holstein
Lesson Activities
Lesson 2
Virgin Islands Historical Newspaper Project
A song written for this time period.
VIAC Storytelling Digital Archive 