St. John made history in 1969 and again in 1970 when it became home to an undersea project known as “Tektite.” The mission was to place marine scientists 49 feet below the surface of Great Lameshur Bay for extended periods in an underwater living quarters known as a “habitat.” This dwelling was fashioned by the Missile and Space division of General Electric and the project was overseen by the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), the Navy and the Department of Interior.

The objectives of this project were multi-faceted. NASA was interested in the effects of isolation and confinement on small group dynamics; for the Navy, safely extending the limits of continual time spent below the surface and testing new diving equipment were their primary interests. The Department of Interior was anxious to furthering marine scientific research through extended stays underwater.

Part-time St. John resident Bruce Schoonover began researching this project some six years ago and concludes “…this is not only a fascinating piece of this island’s history, but it is an important part of our Nation’s history during the turbulent 1960s”… “Underlying this project was our country’s desire to regain its pre-eminence in science and technology, which the Soviet Union was clearly challenging.” Schoonover has presented his findings at St. John Historical Society events held at the Virgin Islands Resource Station (VIERS) on St. John—the site of the base camp for the Tektite project.

Because of the importance of this undertaking to both St. John and our Nation and consistent with the mission of St. John Historical Society to document, preserve and share with the public important historical events, there is a desire to turn Schoonover’s research into a video documentary much like what was done with his earlier research on the Establishment of the Virgin Islands National Park. And, once again Schoonover, Steve Simonson and Bill Stelzer have been collaborating to see this through to fruition.

The trailer, edited by Bill Stelzer will give the viewer a hint as to the complexity and historical significance of this project. The group is hoping that through the circulation of this medium that others will recognize the importance of this event and assist in providing financial support for this undertaking.