Workshop Archive Awakened: Curaçao (& Surinamese) archives

On Thursday evening 24 October 2024 we enjoyed an inspiring online workshop on pedigree research, organised by one of the contributors to Het Archief Onwaken. Participants listened carefully to researcher and historian Rowan van der Stelt of the municipality of Dordrecht and asked plenty of questions. Even though the workshop only lasted an hour, everyone went home with new insights and valuable knowledge. We are grateful to Rowan for her contribution and enthusiastic support to our project!

The book Het Archief Onwakt by Serana Angelista is made with contributions by researcher and historian Rowan van der Stelt, visual artist Avantia Damberg and curator Lusette Verboom. It is available free of charge at the National Archives, investigating the challenges in tracing Caribbean origin, especially on Curaçao. It offers alternative genealogical methods, such as oral history and DNA research, with contributions from historians and artists. The authors, each based on their own expertise, provide insight into alternative research resources and sources. The archives of the transatlantic trade in enslaved people are at a starting point. This work serves as a tool and source of inspiration for anyone who wants to explore his Caribbean roots, despite incomplete archives. There are limited copies available, one per person. More information can be found on the website of the National Archives.