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).

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