The Old Treasury Building,that now houses the National Musuem was erected in 1894, and has for eight decades been the gateway to the city of Basseterre to those who arrived by sea and served in housing ministries and departments of Government over the more than 100 years of its existence. It is an important historical and architectural monument.

The The St.Christopher Heritage Society (SCHS), from its inception in 1989, has consistently advocated the establishment of a national museum in the capital city and this initiative from the Government is warmly welcomed.

This building is to be restored - a major undertaking in itself - and converted into a museum and a headquarters for the Society. For this, our special committee is working with the Government and the firm of consultants designated to implement this phase of the project.

The management of a museum of the people is no mean task and we will need the inputs of, not only our membership, but of the community, and of friends and colleagues abroad. We are dedicated to the task ahead.

The Treasury Building will remain an imposing landmark even after the town expansion and cruise ship berthing facility is completed. Indeed, it will regain its stature as the Gateway to Basseterre, as passengers will pass through to enter the historic centre of the city. The presence of the SCHS and the National Museum in this building will ensure that the role of our small island in shaping the history of the region and beyond will be highlighted and more deeply understood and appreciated. It must be the symbol of the high value we place on our environment, culture and history.

Just recently an original 1758 Belini map of St. Kitts and Nevis came on the market at a cost of US$1000 and the SCHS is soliciting donations from the local community and its membership towards its purchase. It is expected that this will be the first of such items that will need to be acquired to make up a collection for display in the National Museum. For this reason it has been decided that a Fund specifically for the acquisition of potential museum exhibits would be established.