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December 21, 2004
Antique barometer stolen from Fort Christian Museum
ST. THOMAS - An irreplaceable part of Virgin Islands history was stolen from the Fort Christian Museum, officials from the museum said, and they are appealing to whoever took the antique to return it.
Museum personnel reported the theft about 4 p.m. Thursday. The item - described as an antique barometer - last was seen on display Wednesday morning, according to a Sunday statement from police.
Myron Jackson, director of the V.I. State Historic Preservation Office, said the missing antique is a barometer that had been used to measure air pressure and could help determine whether a hurricane was imminent.
Jackson said it hung on a wall in an enclosed antique furniture exhibition.
"Someone went over and lifted it off the wall," Jackson said. "It's an unfortunate incident."
Jackson said that because of the theft, future museum visitors must leave all their bags at the front before taking the self-guided tour.
The barometer is encased in a dark mahogany frame and is very heavy because of the frame, metal and glasswork. There was no information Sunday about its age, but the police statement indicated it was valued at more than $100.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the museum at 776-4566 or the V.I. Police Department at 774-2211. The information received will be kept confidential.
Posted by afinta at December 21, 2004 08:31 PM
