Things of historical significance rarely capture the attention of students for extensive periods of time. As fascinating and necessary as the facts may be to the one trying to drill the information into young minds for, “their own good,” the bulk of the most informative lectures is most times lost with the ever dwindling attention spans of students.

Not so with the newly introduced National Archives Portrait Gallery, a history trip that is a must for students of all ages. National Archivist Margot Thomas says ever since the gallery opened at the St Lucia National Archives in Vigie, the response from students—Kindergarten to Secondary School level—has been favourable. Rather than being bored and unwilling to “take a bite out of history,” students have been struck by the important contributors to St Lucia’s history and the appeal may just have a lot to do with the fact that a large number of the portraits are paintings, done by St Lucian artists, Cederick George and Dunstan St Omer.

The striking portraits capture individuals like Folk Queen, Sessenne Descartes, Nobel Laureates, Derek Walcott and Sir Arthur Lewis and even the island’s first Governor, Sir Ira Simmons.

On Wednesday when I paid a visit to the National Archives, dozens of students from Babonneau Secondary were exploring the facility along with their teachers.

“The students’ feedback has been very good,” the National Archivist told the STAR. “They’ve been asking lots of questions and have shown keen interest in the personalities.”

Thomas went on to say that the purpose of the Gallery was for young people to realize they too could make a mark on history, “once they aim high.”

“It’s also meant to help people research into the lives of other people and help artists and painters use a different medium to draw, sketch or sculpt these people.”

Historical figures included, Frederick Clarke, St Lucia’s first native Governor, Joseph Desir, the first mayor in 1967, Kenny D Anthony, former prime minister, Rick Wayne, international sports figure, entrepreneur and businessman, Henry H Breen, author of the book, “St Lucia Historical Statistical and Descriptive,” and tons of other interesting figures.

Cultural activists, including Roddy Walcott were also featured, as were a number of St Lucian “First Ladies.” An entire section is dedicated to women who have made a significant impact on St Lucia’s history including Adelina Auguste; the first female mayor, Concessa M Marshall; first female dentist, Lorraine Williams; first female attorney general, Mary Francis; first female registrar, Charmaine Gardner; first female president of the Chamber of Commerce, and Margot Thomas, first female national archivist, first OECS national to be president of the Caribbean Archives Association and first St Lucian national to be president of the memory of the world for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The gallery is extensive and includes Denise Joyce Auguste, one of St Lucia’s premier netball players and Rumelia Veronica Elwin who was notably instrumental in reviving traditional dance in schools.

“The National Archives will keep a core group of portraits up because this National Portrait Gallery, we hope it continues into perpetuity,” said Thomas. “Periodically we shall be changing the emphasis. For example, during the month of July we’re going to look at individuals who’ve contributed in the Diaspora. Individuals like Davis Williams who now teaches at Harvard, Dr Barry Gasper, and the many others who’ve worked so hard in the Diaspora. We’re going to have them on display so students can see that you don’t have to live in St Lucia to contribute. You can be out if the island and make your name, and you’ll still be recognized as a St Lucian for the things that you do.”

At other times Thomas said the National Archives would “perhaps” focus on trade unions, people in the public and health services.

“This has been in the making for a long time, from the time I was appointed National Archivist in 1992. We’re going to focus on different areas as we go along,” she said. “We hope to get the artists on board with us.”