Voices
While Whispers of the Past is rooted in the local context of St. Eustatius, its themes are universal. We aim to engage not only the Statian community but also a broader audience, including the greater Caribbean population, heritage travelers, and history enthusiasts worldwide. By amplifying the voices of women from this small but historically significant island, we hope to foster a global dialogue on women’s roles in history and their ongoing fight for equality and recognition.
Jacqueline Allain, PhD, MEd
Personal Background
By training, I am a historian of the British and French colonial Caribbean, with a focus on slavery and emancipation. My doctoral dissertation examined gender, labor politics, and citizenship in the nineteenth-century French Caribbean. My first article was about the incarceration of women in the post-emancipation British Caribbean. A few years ago, I published an article on slavery in Virginia, taking a slight detour from Caribbean history. An interest in feminist theory and social theory more broadly has always animated my work. More recently, I have begun doing research into the history of public education in the United States. Suffice it to say, my research interests are fairly wide-ranging.
I hold a BA in History and Caribbean Studies, an MA in History, an MEd in Curriculum & Instruction, and a PhD in History. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY. By profession, I am a teacher.
Career Highlights
I got into Caribbean history by accident as an undergrad. I was fortunate to do my bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto, which has a really excellent program in Caribbean Studies. I took an introductory course on Caribbean history, became very fascinated by the field, and decided I wanted to study it long-term. You really can’t understand modern world history without Caribbean history. Everyone should learn at least a little bit of Caribbean history.
Current Projects
I have an article under revision that examines social reproduction (the reproduction of labor-power and of social relations) in the nineteenth-century French Antilles. I am also working on an article about a school for pregnant teenage girls in North Carolina in the 1970s. Finally, over the past year, I have been doing research in the archives of the public school system here in New York.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I try to be involved in my community in lots of different ways. I also really enjoy eating at new restaurants and trying out new recipes.
How can our listeners connect with you or follow your work?
I have an X (formerly known as Twitter) account that I occasionally use: @jackie_allain.
Joost Morsink, Phd
Personal Background
I'm a 41-year-old Caribbean archaeology expert at SEARCH, a U.S.-based cultural resource management firm. I reside in New Orleans and manage multiple projects throughout the Caribbean. Previously, I worked at SECAR in Statia from 2012 to 2013 and have returned several times. I grew up in Limburg, Netherlands, and moved to Leiden for my higher education, where I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees in Caribbean archaeology from Leiden University, followed by a PhD from the University of Florida.
Career Highlights
I was drawn to my career by a fascination with the mysteries of our past and the desire to uncover things that were lost through the time. My studies at Leiden introduced me to Caribbean archaeology, which captivated me not only because of the region's appealing climate and scenery but also because of its unique material culture and the integration of historical records and South American anthropology.
Current Projects
Currently, I am actively working on several archaeological projects in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, including plans to excavate multiple precontact villages in Puerto Rico in the coming years. These projects are especially exciting as they aim to protect local communities from flooding while offering a unique glimpse into the region's past.
Favorite thing about Statia
My favorite thing about Statia isn't easy to pin down because it encompasses everything that makes the island unique. However, if I must choose one, it would be the experience of walking along the roads beside the Quill at night. Gazing up at the stars, spotting the Milky Way and various constellations, I'm profoundly moved by the sense of being on a small island within a vast universe. My favorite spot on the island is Lower Town.
Final Thoughts
I want to emphasize the need for more Caribbean individuals to pursue education in archaeology and become local experts who can develop and influence new policies and standards. There's a promising career path in this field, and I encourage anyone interested to confidently pursue it.
You can connect with me and follow my work on LinkedIn.
Raimie Richerdson
Personal Background
I currently serve as the heritage inspector for the public entity of St. Eustatius. I was born and raised on this historically rich island before moving to the Netherlands as a teenager. This early exposure to our local heritage, coupled with the inspiring work of archaeologist Grant Gilmore, ignited my passion for history and heritage preservation.
I began my career as a history teacher, later advancing my studies in museology and heritage at the university level. My career has been marked by several significant highlights, including working on heritage projects in London and Germany.
Career Highlights
One of my most cherished accomplishments is advocating for the recognition of the history of slavery within the Dutch kingdom, an ongoing effort that deeply influences my work and perspective. My journey from a local island to international heritage projects reflects a deep commitment to preserving and enriching our understanding of cultural histories globally.
Current Projects
I am currently spearheading a project titled "Reclaiming Spaces" in collaboration with the Dutch real estate agency and government. We aim to transform unexpected small spaces throughout St. Eustatius into miniature showcase museums. These installations will offer a visual journey through the island, highlighting historical sites lit at night and visible through glass facades. Each space will vividly depict local history with detailed reconstructions of scenes like an 18th-century kitchen, complete with artifact displays and faux culinary setups. This initiative will cover five locations in the historical core, offering a tangible yet untouchable glimpse into our past.
Favorite thing about Statia
One of my favorite aspects of Sint Eustatius is that it challenges and redefines what you might expect from colonial and Caribbean history. The narrative here diverges significantly from the norm, touching on the unique experiences of enslaved individuals, indigenous communities, and both women and men on the island. Sint Eustatius may be small, but its historical impact is profound and often surprising, offering a distinctive perspective that sets it apart from typical historical accounts.
One of my favorite places on the island is the Jewish synagogue. Its architecture, with its Renaissance flair and symmetrically placed windows, captivates me. Built with imported European bricks and nestled in the heart of the city, the synagogue exudes an aura reminiscent of a New World Coliseum. Beyond its original purpose, it also served as one of the initial locations for the Catholic Church on the island. The synagogue's rich history and its blend of seclusion and dignified presence continue to intrigue me. I find myself drawn to host events there, continually fascinated by its stories and architectural beauty.
To all the listeners of this podcast, I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed exploring the rich tapestry of Statia’s history through the diverse perspectives of those who’ve contributed to this project. I want to express my gratitude and extend an invitation for us to continue uncovering more facets of our intriguing Caribbean heritage in future episodes. This project not only celebrates our past but also ensures that these valuable insights persist long into the future, continuing to enrich and educate generations to come.
Feel free to approach me if you see me on the street with any questions you might have. Alternatively, you can visit my office or find me on LinkedIn.
Pardis Zahidi
I am an Iranian American archaeologist based in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Through my research, I investigate the relationship between postcolonial heritage, memory, and identity. I recently started a new position working with the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center as an Exhibit Specialist, in which I will develop and manage preservation projects in national parks throughout the United States.
My current academic research focuses on the intersections of natural and cultural heritage, including colonial coral mining, the diasporic legacies of the baobab tree, the contested symbolism of colonial sugar mills on St. Croix, and the relationship between postcolonial myth and memory in the commemoration of the 1878 Fireburn. I lived on St. Eustatius (Statia) from 2013-2016, working as an archaeologist at the St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research (SECAR) and primary school teacher at the NuStar Terminal School.
I am a doctoral candidate in the Department of Archaeology and Sustainable Heritage at Aarhus University in Denmark, and recently submitted my dissertation entitled 'Elements of Community: An Exploration of Postcolonial Heritage, Identity and Memory in St. Croix, USVI.' Beyond my research, I serve on the boards of the St. George Village Botanical Garden and FYAH (Finding Your Archives a Home) and am an active member of the St. Croix Archaeological Society.
What inspired you to pursue your passion?
Cultural heritage isn't just my profession – it's my birthright. Born into a vibrant, internationally diverse family with roots in the United States, Iran, Ghana, Japan, Germany, Italy, and Barbados, and married into a family with ties to Wales, England, Ireland, India, Thailand, and Australia, I have dedicated my life to understanding the prism of global heritage and the diverse practices, values, and beliefs that shape our common humanity.
As soon as I was old enough, I took every opportunity to explore and learn about cultural heritage, working tirelessly to fund solo travels, internships, and research stays abroad. But my guiding light has always been my parents – my Iranian father and American mother – who instilled in me an unwavering respect for multiculturalism and the power of diverse perspectives. Through them, I developed a worldview that inspires my work in cultural heritage, fueling a passion for understanding the complex, interconnected stories that define us.
Current Projects
Currently, I'm driving several projects that converge my passions for cultural heritage, community engagement, and sustainable tourism. As a board member of the St. George Village Botanical Garden, I'm leading the redesign of the museum and enhancing interpretation to highlight the interconnected histories of people and plants. Additionally, I'm supporting efforts to repatriate colonial archives from Denmark and beyond to the USVI through my work with FYAH, an organization dedicated to providing training to the public on navigating colonial archives. I am editing a forthcoming volume on sustainable heritage tourism in the USVI, featuring expert contributors from the Virgin Islands who share insights on how responsible tourism can positively impact Caribbean communities. In addition, I'm publishing excerpts from my PhD research in academic and popular outlets, with the ultimate goal of transforming my dissertation into a book.
Are there any upcoming projects you are excited about?
As part of the Archaeological Society of St. Croix, I am spearheading a new public program called Archaeo Café – based on ‘Science Café,’ which was started when I lived in Statia. The program is focused on facilitating conversations about archaeology and cultural heritage in an informal and public setting.
Island Favorites
Statia will always be home, even though I don’t live there anymore. It’s where I met my husband; and so the island gave me the ultimate gift – true love.
Favorite Place on the Island
This is a hard question – there are so many places I love! Boven National Park is particularly special to me; whenever Statia started to feel a little too small, I would hike to the top of Boven and take in the panoramic view of the whole island – and then I would realize that it was really me who was small, and the island was just big enough.
Final Thoughts
It is a privilege to be a part of this podcast series, which is bringing some very interesting and important topics to the fore. Even though I no longer live on Statia, I still feel very invested in the community and the island will always hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to the opportunity to return and continue to learn about the island’s rich heritage long into the future. If you are interested in reading about Dr. Felicia Fricke and my published research about blue beads in Statia, you can find our article here: https://shorturl.at/8efDz or email me at pardis.zahedi@gmail.com.
Zara Anishanslin
Personal Background
Zara Anishanslin is an Associate Professor of History and Art History at the University of Delaware. She works on early America and the Atlantic World, with a focus on material culture and public history. She previously taught at CUNY and at Columbia and was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of History at Johns Hopkins.
Career Highlights
Her award-winning first book, Portrait of a Woman in Silk: Hidden Histories of the British Atlantic World, was published by Yale University Press in 2016. Her new book The Painter’s Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution (Harvard University Press, July 2025I is available for pre-order now. While researching that book, she was a Mount Vernon Georgian Papers Fellow at the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, a Davis Center Fellow in Princeton’s History Department, and a Mellon/ACLS Scholars & Society Fellow with the Museum of the American Revolution, working to build bridges between academia and the public.
Current Projects
She is currently a Fellow at the David Center for the American Revolution at the American Philosophical Society and creator/co-host of the forthcoming podcast “Thing4Things: The History Podcast Where Things Matter and Stuff Happens.” But according to her children, the only really cool thing on her CV is that she served as Material Culture Consult for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s show, “Hamilton: The Exhibition.”
Favorite Thing About Statia History
Her favorite thing about Statia is how many diverse people from so many places around the world have called this island their home. Gratitude to “Whispers from the Past” for highlighting the too often untold stories of women from the past.
How Can People Connect with You
To get in touch with Anishanslin, please follow or DM her on Instagram @thing4things.