March 19-20, 2026

University of the Virgin islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

A two-day in-person convening bringing together humanities organizations, culture bearers, artists, and community leaders from across the Virgin Islands. The gathering will foster collaboration, networking, and dialogue through interactive workshops, presentations, and cultural showcases. Reflecting the future-facing theme, the program will include a public keynote open to the community and a youth–elder dialogue circle, ensuring intergenerational perspectives are actively included. All activities will be documented for the Smithsonian’s archives and digital platforms.

This program is part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.