Discusses the problems of establishing a historic preservation program in an area where there is little traditional appreciation for historic buildings or sites. Preservation principles and values, set out in international agreements, express the common aspirations of the world community, but are often viewed as elitist dictates. Native Virgin Islanders, a cultural group constituting a large percentage of the Virgin Islands population and exercising control over most Virgin Islands institutions, have been generally unreceptive to historic preservation efforts. The failure of federally sponsored historic preservation programs to replace urban renewal and housing projects has also led to disappointment. Future strategies should concentrate on educational efforts, both to train artisans and to establish a foundation of popular support for preservation. Changes in the emphasis of tourism promotion to encourage cultural tourism are also suggested.