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Creator
British Virgin Islands Benevolent Association (New York, N.Y.)
Call number
Sc MG 551
Physical description
6.75 linear feet (11 boxes)
Language
English
Preferred Citation
[Item], British Virgin Islands Benevolent Association (New York, N.Y.) records, Sc MG 551, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division, The New York Public Library
Repository
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

The British Virgin Islands Benevolent Association (BVIBA) was founded, in January 1926, to promote unity and foster the interest and welfare of its members, who were primarily British Virgin islanders residing in New York City. The British Virgin Island Benevolent Association collection consists primarily of general membership minutes, correspondence, and financial records.

Biographical/historical information

The British Virgin Islands Benevolent Association (BVIBA) was founded, in January 1926, to promote unity and foster the interest and welfare of its members, who were primarily British Virgin islanders residing in New York City. The organization provided financial assistance and general relief to its sick members; assistance with burial expenses; and support to those who were physically challenged. Membership in the organization was also available to individuals who had resided in the British Virgin Islands for periods of one year or more. The BVIBA also organized a Juvenile Society for the children of the members. The administration was managed by the Board of Supervisors, made up of BVIBA adult members. At age 16, the youth were granted adult membership. In the 1930s-1940s, the organization created a pro-legislation committee in order to maintain an active involvement in the British Virgin Islands' internal affairs. The committee generated political resolutions and petitions in support of the pro-legislative movement. The BVIBA was officially disbanded in 1989.

Scope and arrangement

The British Virgin Island Benevolent Association collection, 1926-1989, consists primarily of general membership minutes, correspondence, and financial records. The collection also includes: the 1932 incorporation papers; a copy of the 1938 pro-legislative petition to the British Colonial Office in support of self-governance for the British Virgin Islands; and a 1948 economic development report for Tortola Island. A brief history of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of America and fund raising form letters signed by Martin Luther King, Jr. and Lena Horne, both dated 1960, are also included.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Gift of Calvin Thomas, August 1999.08/--/1999

Revision History

Finding aid updated by Lauren Stark. (2022 February 11)

Processing information

Accessioned by Rosalie P. Jeter, August 1999.

Separated material

Transferred to the Art and Artifacts Division: artifacts.

Transferred to the Photographs and Prints Division: photographs.

Using the collection

Location

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10037-1801
Second Floor