Nov 6, 2024
St. Eustatius, ‘ The Historical Gem’ of the Caribbean, is a small, but cherished island with a rich history and great beauty. The St. Eustatius Historical Foundation was established in 1974 to explore, preserve, document and educate the local population and tourists, about the history of this very special island. We strive, through educational programs, walking tours and presentations, to make our story known. We have, since our inception, sponsored archaeological and anthropological research on the island through many prestigious universities and scholars. This has added to the depth of knowledge of our history and our important place in the events of the 18th century. Now, with the establishment of the St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research, this has become a continuous learning process. This guide therefore represents our current knowledge of our beautiful island. We hope this will serve as an introduction to our great heritage, that you will visit our award-winning museum and our archaeological research center and begin to understand our great pride in the ‘Historical Gem’.
This walking tour guide will take us from the waterfront, up the Bay Path, through the major sites in the town to the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum, one of the best in the Caribbean. In the center of this book you will find a numbered map of the walking tour. The numbers correspond to the sites described in this guide. We hope that you also take the time to explore some of the extended tours that we have included in the back of the guide, so that you can get a more complete understanding of this ‘Historical Gem of the Caribbean’.
Oct 7, 2024
Two historic burial grounds on Sint Eustatius, Golden Rock and Godet, are set to be officially recognized by UNESCO as part of its “Routes of Enslaved Peoples” program during a ceremony in Paris on October 9, 2024. This recognition follows a nomination initiated by the St. Eustatius Afrikan Burial Ground Alliance in February 2022, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of the island’s slavery heritage.
The Golden Rock site was discovered in 2021 during earthworks for the expansion of the island’s airport. An international archaeological team began excavations but soon faced backlash from the community over the handling of human remains. This led to the suspension of the dig and the creation of the Statia Heritage Research Commission (SHRC) to oversee the respectful management of the remains and ensure that international standards were followed. The SHRC’s work emphasizes community involvement and transparency, guiding the path forward for preserving these important cultural sites.
This inclusion into UNESCO’s 30-year-old “Routes of Enslaved Peoples” program is part of a global effort to document and commemorate key sites related to the transatlantic slave trade. By joining this network, Sint Eustatius is not only contributing to a broader historical narrative but also fostering local dialogue about the island’s painful past. The Golden Rock burial site provides a rare and invaluable glimpse into the lives of enslaved Africans, highlighting the need for ethical archaeological practices that honor the dignity of those who were buried there.
In addition, the St. Eustatius Afrikan Burial Ground Alliance has secured funding from the Faro Fund to organize a series of community events in November. These events will focus on raising awareness about the significance of the burial grounds and discussing the possibility of a memorial to honor the ancestors. This initiative underscores the importance of local engagement in shaping how heritage is remembered and preserved.
By incorporating these sites into UNESCO’s program, the island is making a powerful statement about the importance of recognizing the legacies of slavery and ensuring that historical research is conducted with respect and community participation. This international recognition is a positive step toward understanding the island’s past, promoting healing, and honoring those who were forcibly brought to its shores.
Apr 18, 2024
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.
CHECK OUT THE PROGRAM HERE
REGISTER HERE
