David Hayes was a familiar figure on the streets of Christiansted for decades. The well-known archaeologist and owner of Apocathary Hall and other properties in town passed away last week at the age of 68.
Hayes was born on St. Croix. His mother started Cruzan Gardens and his father owned the GM dealership. Growing up, he worked at both businesses while learning about the environment from his parents.
He left the island at 20 and earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science at the University of California, Berkley and a master’s degree in industrial archaeology at Michigan Technical University.
Hayes returned to St. Croix in 1979, worked with his parents and taught calculus at Country Day School. The family worked diligently to preserve the environment and support the community. Together, they helped start the St. George Village Botanical Gardens and St. Croix Landmarks Society.
According to John Farchette, retired marine park ranger and interpretative guide, Hayes installed the blades on the sugar mill at Whim Museum, served on the Landmarks board for years — eventually as chairman — and donated generously to the organization.
He started the nonprofit St. Croix Archeological Society in 2001 with St. Croix residents Gary Bourdan, Bob While and Farchette. One of their goals was to educate the island’s youth. They visited many schools and Hayes provided a home for the organization in his Company Street property where people could see the Society’s collection of artifacts. The Tourism Department visited the museum and afterward provided color brochures to hand out to the public. At its height, the Society had around 100 members, but dwindled over the years. Unfortunately, the museum closed in 2017 due to mold and the artifacts were moved to safety.
In 2013, Hayes served as the archaeological manager at the Krondprindsens Gade archaeological site in Charlotte Amalie.
The Caribbean International Archeologists held its conference on St. Croix in 2017. According to Farchette, Hayes single-handedly put together the conference at the Divi Resort. Farchette said the participants were thrilled with the event and raved about the hotel.
“He taught us the word ‘preservation’ — a new buzzword,” Elizabeth Resende, a longtime friend who worked with Hayes, said.
Hayes also volunteered for the V.I. State Historic Preservation Office, a division of the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources, which works to preserve the territory’s architectural and archaeological resources. On St. Croix alone, there are more than 50 locations listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
“As a colonial historian, he was one of the best,” Farchette said.
Hayes was also a member of Rotary Mid Isle for decades and served as president several times.
According to Resende, his final directions were to hold a celebration of life at Apothecary Hall, April 12 from 3 to 6 p.m.
