About Arubaroots
My name is Tirso Tromp. I was born and raised in Aruba, and for as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by history — not just world history, but the specific, layered, often overlooked history of my own island.
Arubaroots is my personal research blog. It is not a tourism guide, and it is not a textbook. It is an honest, ongoing attempt to uncover what really happened on Aruba — from the first Caquetío settlements thousands of years ago, through Spanish conquest, Dutch colonial rule, and into the 19th century and beyond. It can enrich your experience though when visiting Aruba. But also for all my fellow Arubans who love to know more about your Island. This blog is for you as well.
Why I started this
Much of what is written about Aruba’s history is simplified, incomplete, or shaped by tourism narratives. As someone who grew up here, lived abroad for 30 years and is now back, I always felt there was a deeper and more honest story waiting to be told. In my adult years, I began building a private book collection focused on Aruba and the wider Caribbean region — old books, rare documents, and materials from archives in the Netherlands, Spain, and Venezuela.
Alongside the historical research, I have been conducting genealogical research into my own family. I have traced my lineage back to the early 1800s, with some entries reaching into the late 1700s. My family tree reflects Aruba itself — a mix of indigenous, African, and European ancestry. Two surnames in particular, Juangasie and Concession, remain mysteries I am still investigating.
How I research
I am an amateur historian, not an academic. My sources include history books, Dutch and Spanish colonial archives, the Delpher digital archive, documentaries, and credible online resources. Where I find conflicting accounts, I say so. Where I cannot verify something, I flag it. I believe intellectual honesty is more important than a clean narrative.
Every post on this site is based on research. I update posts when I discover new information. Occasionally I include folklore or oral history — clearly labelled as such — because these stories also have their place in understanding who we are.
What you will find here
- Chronological chapters covering Aruba’s history from 1499 to the 1800s
- Deep dives into specific events, rulers, and turning points
- Genealogical context — who actually lived on Aruba and where they came from
- Primary source references and archive links wherever possible
Get in touch
If you have documents, stories, corrections, or family connections related to Aruba’s history, I would love to hear from you. This project grows richer every time a reader shares something new. Use the contact page to reach me directly.
Tirso Tromp — Arubaroots