Beyond the Beaches: The Virgin Islands' Stories Take Center Stage

Where History, Culture, and Storytelling Meet

The U.S. Virgin Islands are known for their natural beauty—but their stories run even deeper.

From generations of oral storytelling to bold contemporary voices, the literary heritage of the Virgin Islands reflects a culture shaped by resilience, identity, and history. Now, that story takes center stage in a new PBS Books program.

American Stories: A Reading Road Trip explores the voices that have defined the islands—from influential historical figures like J. Antonio Jarvis and D. Hamilton Jackson to contemporary writers such as Tiphanie Yanique and Cadwell Turnbull.

At the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, we see every day how storytelling, culture, and community are intertwined. This program offers a powerful look at the voices and experiences that continue to shape our islands.

Watch the free PBS Books live Facebook event or catch it on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS App. Afterward, explore the PBS Books Virtual Library to discover powerful reads inspired by the islands’ past and present. And don’t forget to subscribe to the PBS Books e-newsletter and YouTube channel to follow the journey and binge past episodes anytime.

We’re proud to support and celebrate the cultural legacy of the Virgin Islands—past, present, and future.