Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is proud to announce that the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums (DLAM) has been awarded a $750,000 grant from the National Park Service’s Semi Quincentennial Grant Program. These funds will support critical preservation and restoration efforts at the Fort Frederik National Historic Landmark Site Museum in Frederiksted, St. Croix.
The Semi Quincentennial Grant Program, established by Congress in 2020, is a highly competitive initiative designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. It provides funding to restore and preserve sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places that reflect the nation’s founding history.
Fort Frederik holds a significant place in American history. During the American Revolution, the fort—then part of the Danish colony—served as a vital safe harbor for trade, including the transport of arms and ammunition. Wealthy merchants and planters from St. Croix, many with direct ties to the thirteen colonies, played an active role in financing the revolution. The island’s thriving sugar and rum trade generated profits that helped fund military operations and sustain the Continental Army, contributing essential resources and manpower to the fight for independence.
The grant will fund a comprehensive restoration project at Fort Frederik, including:
- Roof repairs
- Masonry and plaster restoration on the fort’s walls, stables, and bell tower
- Electrical and plumbing upgrades
- Enhanced security systems
- Installation of new guardrails
- Accessibility improvements
The project is scheduled to span three years, with work expected to begin in late December 2025 or early January 2026. “We are thrilled to receive this funding to restore Fort Frederik Museum,” said Commissioner Oriol. “This site is a cornerstone of our cultural heritage, and DPNR remains committed to preserving historic landmarks for future generations.”
