Exploring My Passion for History and Aruba’s Roots
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.
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.
These two pursuits—book collecting and genealogy—have opened doors to Aruba’s past, 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.
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. My aim with this site is to enhance the understanding of what has shaped us as a people and as a nation.
As I continue researching and learning, I’ll regularly update the chapters with new insights and discoveries.
Feel free to contribute any materials you have or correct me where needed (with supporting evidence), and join me in exploring our Aruban roots together!
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
Very good start. Hope you continue! Susanne Gravendijk
Thanks Suzanne. Will definitely continue. As we are entering periods on which more documentation exists, the research gets more elaborated, and I have to make more choices on how to determine a period and a topic. Thanks for the support : )