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Exploring My Passion for History, Aruba’s Roots and the real Aruba history.

A significant part of my free time is dedicated to reading and learning about history. This journey began in elementary school back in Aruba, where we studied the indigenous tribes of the Americas and the colonial period that followed. Over time, my curiosity expanded to include the Greek and Roman Empires, as well as notable military battles throughout history. I am a firm believer that by knowing your history it will allow you to better understand your current situation. In this case, what can Aruba’s real history teach us today. Where we are, and where we could be headed.

Driven by my passion for history and a deep curiosity about my Aruban-Caribbean roots (I am half Caribbean and half European), I started building a private book collection focused on Aruba. My goal is to gather everything I can find related to the island’s history. Today, my collection includes around 20 books, some of which are several decades old. Alongside my book collection, I have also been conducting genealogical research to trace my family’s history. I managed to go back all the way to the early 1800’s. I do have some late 1700 entries, but I need to validate those. Apart from one great great grandmother, who was apparently born in Venezuela, my whole lineage traces back to Aruban born people. Judging by the last names and some pictures I could find, I come from a real mix of ancestors including indigenous, African and European. Aruba carries with it a lot of mysteries and secrets. In my case two last names that are outliers in my family tree: Juangasie and Concession. It could have something to do with slavery or immigrants from the Venezuelan and Colombian mainland.

These two pursuits—book collecting and genealogy—have opened new doors to Aruba’s past for me, shedding light on the island’s rich history. I have realized that much of the history we have been taught is either incomplete or inaccurate. Given the importance of culture in Aruba, I believe we, as Arubans, are still on a journey to define our identity. Through this blog I will share my interest, passion and results.

By diving deep into the history of Aruba and comparing different accounts, texts, and materials, I’ve uncovered details that help explain the foundations of our roots, heritage, and culture. Our real history. Again, my aim with this site is to contribute to the understanding of what has shaped us as a people and as a nation.

As I continue researching and learning, I’ll provide updates which include new chapters with new insights and discoveries. Bringing back stories that have been buried so deep, that they may be lost for a long time. Which is a shame, as there are some real gems between them.

As mentioned, I am an amateur historian. Therefore Feel free to contribute with tips, stories, links and any materials you have. Or correct me where needed (with supporting evidence), and join me in exploring our Aruban roots to uncover the real Aruba history together!

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My library

• Bouwen op de wind – Olga van der Klooster
• Arubaans akkoord – Luc Alofs, Wim Rutgers, Henry Coomans
• Nederlanders overzee – Leonard Blusee, Jaap de Moor
• De Geschiedenis van Aruba tot 1816 – Adi Martis
• Het oude fort van Aruba – Dr. J. Hartog
• De wijd-beroemde voyagien na oost- en westindien, mitsgaders adere gedeeltens des werelds, gedaan door de Engelsen, Vol. 2 – Johan Lodewijck Gottfried
• Antilliaans verhaal – Luis H. Daal, Ted Schouten
• Nederlanders overzee – Leonard Blusse & Jaap de Moor
• Buki conmemorativo di Prokia di Noord, 1777 – 1979 – M.J. Flanegien, P.V.D. Vaart, A. Flanegien