About Us

The Society of Virgin Islands Historians is an association of historians, educators, and enthusiasts located on the island of St. Croix but serving all of the Virgin Islands, other Caribbean islands, the United States, Denmark, and other European countries. The Society promotes the study and advancement of local history through monthly meetings and an Annual Conference. We promote Virgin Islands history to the wider community through collaborations with the VI Department of Education, UVI and various organizations.
We are under the umbrella of the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development stxfoundation.org
Society of Virgin Islands Historians Officers
President Elizabeth “Betsy” Rezende
Vice President Dr. Chenzira Kahina, Jacklyn Lawrence
Secretary Susan Beach
email us vihistorians@gmail.com
We meet by Zoom on the third Wednesday of the month between September and May at 5:30 p.m. The dues are $50.00 per year. For a membership application Click here
Vision Statement
Our vision is to preserve, educate, and connect—bridging the gap between scholarly research and community storytelling. We strive to make Virgin Islands history accessible, inclusive, and engaging by fostering a deeper understanding of our past through research, public education, and historical preservation.
Mission Statement
The Society of Virgin Islands Historians is dedicated to encouraging and supporting research on Virgin Islands history and culture. We provide a platform for our members to share their findings with fellow historians, students, and the wider community. Through a blend of academic study and lived experiences, we highlight the stories of everyday Virgin Islanders and showcase how historical documents can validate and enrich oral traditions.
Vision & Mission Statements by A Hiroko Griles-Cariño

In 2023, SVIH sponsored a student poster contest to depict factual historical information on the 1848 Emancipation of the Virgin Islands. This was in collaboration with the Emancipation Committee commemorating the 275th anniversary of the Emancipation of the Virgin Islands.