ANTIGUA, MARCH 1997 BY Lee Moffit

Spring travel projects for Graduate students provide a wide range of interesting opportunities to explore ones area of expertise. When the Caribbean Volunteer Expedition (CVE) Brochure came across my desk announcing a Spring research trip to the island country of Antigua, the exotic lure of working beside blue Caribbean waters was quite appealing.

As a Graduate student in the Historic Preservation at the University of Vermont, the project and location seemed like the perfect opportunity. Participating is a survey of 18th century windmills formerly used for the processing of sugar cane was a welcome relief from the New England winter. Taking a serious look at a political, social, and industrial environment not present within a classroom setting landed me in Antigua.

My formal introduction to the CVE volunteers took place on the tarmac upon arrival in Antigua. Volunteers from destinations all over the United States embarked, bringing forth a diverse range of expertise. The opportunity to work along side preservation architects, photographers, engineers, and planners, provided fuel for an aggressive survey and learning environment. Preservation officials of Antigua, along with our own local guide, Marcus Crump, provided an excellent point of reference for the survey and also local customs and traditions.

Each volunteer assumed a job for the survey. My duty was to measure the base, height, and diameter of the cone shaped stone towers. Four-wheel drive vehicles provided access to sites, all of which were extinct of their former glory as members of England's crown jewel of sugar production. The sense of arriving at a windmill that had not been visited for over a hundred years provided an element of adventure to the survey process. A welcome diversion from cobwebs in the basement of a New England, Greek Revival farmhouse.

CVE hosts a diverse variety of travel projects throughout the year and provide participants a practical application in the field of preservation. All volunteers regardless of age or background are welcome to share in the adventure of the Caribbean preservation experience. The enhancement to ones education or interest in preservation is a hands on experience with the Caribbean Volunteer Expedition. Member's contributions to the vast resource of history and culture serve a purpose