DCHP Conference 2024: AWARENESS

DCHP Conference 2024: AWARENESS

Are you passionate about, wanting to become more aware of, working with, or maybe even owning cultural heritage in the Dutch Caribbean? Then this is the Conference for you!

Please join our conference with the theme ‘Awareness’, where you’ll have the chance to delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Dutch Caribbean islands of Sint Maarten, Saba, and St Eustatius.

Through either an in-person or an online program, you’ll explore monuments and other cultural sites that are often overlooked, while gaining insights into the diverse history of the region. Engage with local heritage professionals, share knowledge, and collaborate on finding sustainable solutions to the current challenges these islands are facing.

Whether you join us in person or virtually, this conference offers you a platform for learning, discussion, and collective action toward preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the windward islands of the Dutch Caribbean. 

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The People of Saba

The People of Saba

This 1947 film “People of Saba” looks at the small Caribbean island which is the smallest special municipality (officially “public body”) of the Netherlands. Saba consists largely of the potentially active volcano Mount Scenery, at 887 meters (2,910 ft) the highest point of the entire Netherlands. The film was made before an airport was built on the island, and it was essentially cut off from the outside world except by ship. Saba has a land area of 13 square kilometers (5.0 sq mi). As of January 2013, the population was 1,991 inhabitants, with a population density of 150 inhabitants per square kilometer (390/sq mi). Its towns and major settlements are The Bottom (the capital), Windwardside, Hell’s Gate, and St. Johns.

The vegetation of Saba is mainly composed of woodland forest with ferns, damp soil, and many mango trees. Visitors refer to Saba’s forests as “the Elfin Forest” because of its high altitude mist, and mossy appearance. A woodland reserve was created and named “Elfin Forest Reserve”. Saba’s lush plant and animal wildlife is diverse and is cared for by the Saba Conservation Foundation. There used to be forests of Mountain Mahogany trees until a hurricane in the 1960s destroyed many of the trees, which are Freziera undulata in the family Theaceae. Despite the common name, these trees are not related to other Mahogany species. One species of true mahogany tree is found planted on the island at lower levels, and that is the small-leaved mahogany ‘Swietenia mahagoni’, Meliaceae. The native mahogany trees are considered to be at risk of becoming extinct on Saba.

Today the tourism industry now contributes more to the island’s economy than any other sector. There are about 25,000 visitors each year. Saba has a number of inns, hotels, rental cottages, and restaurants. Saba is known as the “Unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean. The island is especially known for its ecotourism, having exceptional scuba diving, climbing,

and hiking. The Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport offers flights to and from the nearby islands of St. Maarten and Sint Eustatius. There is also a ferry service from St. Maarten; the ferry boats “Dawn II ~ The Saba Ferry” and “The Edge” both travel to Saba three times a week. In addition, there are anchorages for private boats.

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. 

Discovering the Untold Story of Klein Curaçao’s Lighthouse

Discovering the Untold Story of Klein Curaçao’s Lighthouse

A captivating journey through time as presenter Germaine Gibbs sits down with Michael Newton, a distinguished architect and heritage consultant. In this insightful interview, Michael unveils the rich history of Klein Curaçao’s iconic lighthouse, sharing tales of its construction, its survival through storms, and its vital role in guiding seafarers over the years. Dive into the past and uncover the captivating narrative behind the enduring light of Klein Curaçao.

This interview is part of the Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) program: Klein Curaçao. Supported by the EU.

Aruba Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins

Aruba Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins

Video imagery of the The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, a historic site located on the northern coast of Aruba. This area marks the remnants of a gold smelting facility that was built in 1872 during the Aruba gold rush, which began in the 19th century after gold was discovered there in 1824. The mill was used to process ore from mines across the island, extracting gold and contributing significantly to Aruba’s economy during that period.

The Bushiribana ruins are characterized by their dramatic stone remains, set against the backdrop of Aruba’s rugged coastal landscape. The structure was built using natural stone from the island, and its design was influenced by the fortifications of the period, intended to protect the valuable operations from pirates and other threats.

Today, the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into Aruba’s rich history. Visitors can explore the ruins, enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding desert-like terrain and the Caribbean Sea, and learn about the island’s gold mining era. The site is often included in island tours, and it’s a favorite spot for photography due to its unique historical significance and natural beauty. Nearby, other attractions such as the Natural Bridge ruins and the Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations contribute to the area’s appeal for those interested in the natural and historical aspects of Aruba.

De eilanden boven de wind / The islands above the wind

De eilanden boven de wind / The islands above the wind

‘De eilanden boven de wind’ is een historische film van 6 minuten over het eiland Sint Maarten. Deze film rond 1947 is gemaakt door het Polygoonjournaal als onderdeel van een reeks genaamd: ‘Films over de West’. ‘De West’ is ook bekend als de Nederlandse West of de Nederlandse Antillen. Je ziet de ongerepte natuur van Sint Maarten en Saint Martin en er wordt een beeld geschetst van hoe het leven op het eiland er in die tijd uitzag. Deze film komt uit het RVD filmarchief in Nederland, waar dit soort historische films worden bewaard. Het is een Nederlandstalige vertelling met Engelse ondertiteling.

‘The islands above the wind’ is a historical 6 minute movie about the Island of St Maarten. This movie was made around 1947 by the Dutch Polygoon Newsreel as part of the series: ‘Films about the West’. ‘The West’ is also known as the Dutch West Indies or Netherlands Antilles. You will see the unspoiled nature of St Maarten & St Martin and it gives an impression of how Island living was in those days. This movie is from the archives of the RVD in The Netherlands where they conserve these type of historical films. It’s a Dutch narrative with English subtitles.