The Corn Islands Virtual Museum: A New Digital Window into Island Heritage

On June 27, 2025, the Corn Islands marked a new chapter in cultural preservation with the official launch of The Corn Islands Virtual Museum, a digital extension of The Corn Islands Virtual Library. Unveiled during the event Island Memories: Archaeology and Digital Outreach of the Heritage of the Corn Islands at the Culture House, this initiative brings to life the islands' rich history through curated digital exhibitions. The museum features archaeological findings, cultural objects, and visual records that offer both locals and global audiences the opportunity to engage with the tangible and intangible heritage of Great Corn Island and Little Corn Island.

The museum builds upon years of dedicated work by local advocates, researchers, and cultural promoters, including the library's founder and director, Shayron Tower. Together with collaborators such as the PAMCI Project and the Culture House, the initiative aims to safeguard and amplify the narratives that have long defined the identity of the islands. With tools of digital storytelling and archival research, the museum serves as a bridge between past and present, documenting ancestral practices, colonial-era objects, and community memories through immersive virtual exhibitions.

Now housed online at www.cornislandsmuseum.org, The Corn Islands Virtual Museum complements the broader mission of the Virtual Library, which continues to provide access to books, articles, maps, and historical documents. As these two platforms grow side by side, they reaffirm a collective commitment to education, cultural continuity, and the responsible use of technology to tell the stories of the Caribbean. The museum’s launch not only marks a milestone for the islands but also sets a precedent for small communities using digital innovation to protect and share their heritage with the world.