Conservation Assessment of the
Joachim De Brum House, Likiep Atoll,
Republic of the Marshall Islands

by
Jon O'Neill
and
Dirk H.R. Spennemann


Likiep is unique in many ways. This is particularly true from the viewpoint of historic interaction between colonised people and external administrative powers. Abundant physical and non-physical evidence of this interaction remains on Likiep in surprisingly good condition.
The pre-eminent structure is an imposing timber-framed house that towers over everything else on the island and forms the centre of the Likiep Village Historic Site. Designed and built by the redoubtable Joachim De Brum in 1905, this house was the first historic site in Micronesia to be registered under the United States Historic Preservation Act (1966). Although it is a magnificent example of colonial influences (architectural and social), it may be that it has even greater significance through its association with Joachim De Brum. This highly successful Marshallese businessman gained wide international respect for the extent of his interests and skills and has had an enormous influence on the Marshall Islands in general and Likiep in particular.
Despite being the focus of several major historic preservation programmes, the site continues to degrade and constant maintenance is required to alleviate the damage caused by decay processes that are exacerbated by tropical conditions.

This report describes the site and examines the issues at hand.

This book and its illustrations are copyright Jon O'Neill and Dirk H.R.Spennemann (© 2001).

This book has been published by the Johnstone Centre Charles Sturt University Albury. It is distributed to interested users free of charge. You may download the pdf file and print it out for your own use; alert others to the the presence of this book; and create a link to this page.

You may not, however, (i) distribute the printed product, or (ii) distribute the document electronically be it as pdf file or any other text or image file to others; or (iii) include the document in any compilation; or (iv) store the document on any server without prior written consent by the copyright holders Jon O'Neill and Dirk H.R.Spennemann. By downloading the file you agree to abide by these stipulations.

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Digital Micronesia-An Electronic Library & Archive is provided free of charge as an advertising-free information service for the world community. It is being maintained by Dirk HR Spennemann, Associate Professor in Cultural Heritage Management,Institute of Land, Water and Society and School of Environmental & Information Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia. The server space and technical support are provided by Charles Sturt University as part of its commitment to regional engagement. Environmental SciencesInformation Sciences

© Dirk Spennemann 1999– 2005
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