Antigua Celebrated at International Archaeology Congress for Contributions to Caribbean Heritage
The National Parks Authority of Antigua and Barbuda was proudly represented by Dr. Christopher Waters and Ms. Desley Gardner at the 30th Congress of the International Association for Caribbean Archaeology (IACA) on August 15 – 17, 2024. This year’s congress, held in Nevis, was organized by the IACA Congress Organizing Committee in collaboration with the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society, Western University (Canada), and the Nevis Island Administration.
Three key papers highlighting significant archaeological projects within the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park were presented:
8th of March Project: Applying Archaeology to Stakeholder and Community Building
By Desley Gardner and Dr. Christopher K. Waters
The 8th of March Project is an initiative focused on community-based archives, archaeology, genealogy, and oral history. It examines the history and legacy of enslavement and freedom in Antigua’s historic Dockyard. By reinterpreting British military sites as spaces for African and Antiguan identity development and cultural practices, this project fosters a deeper connection to nearly 300 years of community history. It emphasizes decolonization by making the Dockyard an inclusive space that reflects the heritage of Antigua and Barbuda alongside its colonial past.
Coastal Heritage Protection in Climate Change: A Pilot Project at Fort Berkeley, Antigua
By Christopher K. Waters and Desley Gardner
This paper outlines a project aimed at safeguarding Fort Berkeley, a colonial-era fortification at the entrance to English Harbour, from the impacts of climate change. The National Parks Authority launched this initiative in 2023 to address erosion and storm damage, with the goal of stabilizing the site and developing strategies for protecting other coastal heritage sites in the region.
Lyon ex Beaumont (1762-1778): Global History Through a Shipwreck (English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda)
By Jean-Sébastien Guibert, Margaux Tronchet, Franck Bigot, Desley Gardner, and Christopher K. Waters
The Tank Bay Shipwreck, identified as the Lyon ex Beaumont, a ship of the French East India Company, offers a remarkable glimpse into 18th-century maritime history. This collaborative project involves archaeologists from the French West Indies, Antigua, France, and the U.S. The site is significant not only for its scale but also as the only French East Indiaman with preserved hull remains discovered to date. Ongoing research and excavations continue to shed light on this historically important shipwreck.
Each presentation was met with commendations, recognizing the National Parks Authority for its outstanding multidisciplinary efforts within the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Honourable Paul “Chet” Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Immigration, expressed his pride in the work being done: “The achievements of the National Parks Authority at the IACA Congress underscore Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to preserving our rich heritage and sharing it with the world. These projects not only protect our history but also ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the significance of our cultural landscapes.”
The National Parks Authority continues to advance its mission to protect and promote Antigua and Barbuda’s rich cultural heritage. Participation in international forums like the IACA Congress not only highlights the significance of the nation’s archaeological efforts but also strengthens partnerships and knowledge sharing across the Caribbean. Through these collaborations, Antigua and Barbuda remains at the forefront of preserving and celebrating the region’s diverse history for generations to come.
The National Parks Authority (NPA) is a Statutory Corporation constituted under the National Parks Act Cap. 290 (1984) of the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda. The Act mandates that the NPA is self-financing and operates as a not-for-profit organization in order to preserve, protect, manage and develop the natural environment, heritage, architecture, and culture of the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. Since 2016, the historical core, the Georgian era Royal Navy Dockyard and surrounding British military sites have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of the long and successful stewardship and management of the NPA.
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