Sint Eustatius – A special delegation from the new National Museum of Slavery arrived at F.D. Roosevelt Airport. Delegation members John Leerdam and Peggy Brandon – two of the three quartermasters of the museum – and Diane Landveld of the City of Amsterdam, were welcomed by Deputy Government Commissioner Claudia Toet, Island Commissioner Derrick Simmons and Interim Registrar Hans Andeweg.
The museum will document the history of transatlantic slavery and slavery in the Dutch colonies in the Indian Ocean. The museum’s content will target a broad audience, with a focus on education, art, information and research. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) supports the initiative.
Three quartermasters are currently working on the museum’s business plan, developing temporary public programming and organising a consultation process. Because of its important history, Statia is a vital stop for today’s delegation to gather information, and discuss the ins and outs of the envisaged museum with the Executive Council, the Island Council and other stakeholders on the island. The delegation will visit all six Caribbean islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.