Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2019 | Page 208

St. Eustatius Historical Foundation
“Museum”
The St. Eustatius Historical
Foundation “Museum” is a
prestigious award winning
museum, located in the heart
of Oranjestad. The prominent
two-storey town house was
probably built around the
1700’s, and belonged to a rich
merchant and planter called
Simon Zymonsz Doncker, who
lived from 1714 - 1796. The
Doncker Family originated from
the Dutch province of Zeeland,
and settled on St. Eustatius by
the end of the 17th century.
They were known to be a
powerful, wealthy family on St.
Eustatius, which ruled the island
during the 18th century. and the Caribbean Sea. In
1781, the British Admiral,
George Brydges Rodney made
the “House” his headquarters,
after capturing the island as
retaliation for its involvement
in secretly supplying America
with ammunition and other
contraband, during the
American Revolution war.
The Simon Doncker House
was built to capture the
fascinating view of the town
area, Fort Oranje, the harbor The Simon Doncker House
(Museum) is managed by the St.
Eustatius Historical Foundation,
which was founded in 1974, and
Throughout the centuries,
the house was used as a
dwelling place for several
families, leaving behind lots
of shared history, stories and
fond memories that have
been passed down through
generations.
is one of the longest standing
non-profit organizations on St.
Eustatius. The aim, vision and
purpose of the St. Eustatius
Historical Foundation is
preservation, conservation,
education, and protection of as
much of St. Eustatius historical
and cultural resources , objects
and documents for future
generations and visitors to
enjoy.
The Museum boasts 5 period
rooms, with displays of artifacts
and furniture dating back from
the 17th, 18th and 19th century.
~ by Misha Spanner