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* Note: The Seven Arches Museum (SAM) is a registered Virgin Island landmark and is one of the island's true hidden treasures. |
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The Seven Arches Museum is a two-story yellow stone, brick and coral structure which serves as an excellent living example of 18th century Danish West Indian architecture. Built in the late 1700's and named for the seven arches that support the home's main staircase, this is the only private residence museum in St. Thomas that is open to the public. A "welcoming arms" staircase, balast block bricks, gun turret slots in the walls, letters, pictures and postcards from the 1800's not to mention the outdoor kitchen are just a few of the things that make the Seven Arches Museum so special not to mention the dramatic view of the harbor. |
One of the must see attractions at the Seven Arches Museum is the large West Indian mahogony canopy bed and the century plant Christmas tree. These are but two of the many impressive items in the museum's inventory. Walking into Seven Arches is like walking back into 18th century Danish West Indies, a time when horse-drawn carriages and gas-lamps were the norm.Make sure to see the collection of coins, stationary and Royal Copanhagen dishes that were once used by the homes owners. The house is painstakenly decorated as it would have been back in the turn of the century. Visitors are urged to relax and take a break from the hurried pace of the mainland and appreciate the sweet sounds, smells and tastes that the islands have to offer. |
Upon entering the museum you will be guided on a 15 to 30 minute tour of the house. Your will learn about the island's history as well as the history of some of it's most important leaders and families. This is your opportunity to learn about the people, culture, music, plants and food of the islands. Its like tasting spoon full of West Indian food, culture and history all in one deliscious scoop. |
Brief Island History Timeline:* Christoper Columbus discovered the Virgin Islands on his second voyage to the New World in 1493.* Slave revolt in 1733 due to harsh living conditions. * Slavery was abolished in the Danish West Indies in 1848.* The United States purchased the Danish West Indies from Denmark in 1916 for $25,000,000.* In 1937 Virgin Islanders granted U.S. citizenship. * During the 1950's the Virgin Islands becomes a major tourist destination in the Caribbean after the embargo of Cuba. * Two week long Carnival celebration becomes one of the largest inthe Caribbean. * NBA basketball superstar Tim Duncan brings national name recognition and publicity to the Virgin Islands |
The Seven Arches Museum was home to several of the island's most prominant families like the Bonellis, the De Windts, the Schaltenbrandts and the Corneiros. From 1906 to 1965 the Seven Arches Museum was known simply as the "Corneiro House". Fermin Corneiro and his son Conrad Corneiro purchased the home in 1906 and kept it in the family for 60 years. The Corneiros were some of the island's leading citizens having held high positions in the community like bank president, Chairman of the Colonial Council, newspaper editor, goldsmith, postmaster, and member of the Reconciling Court and Attorney General of the Virgin Islands to name just a few. Seven Arches also houses several Corneiro family heirlooms like the family's jewelry making tools from the 1800's, several Danish West Indian coins, old letters and stamps from the 1800's as well as Royal Copanhagen dishes. |