A modern complex will accommodate the National Archives of Aruba.
ORANJESTAD—The National Archives of Aruba (ANA) has thirty years of existence, and its director, drs. Raymond Hernandez also has a thirty-year career in his position, as does the National Archives.
The National Archives is more than a repository of papers and documents; it is a caretaker of our heritage, a research center, and a reference point for all who believe in the value of our history.
For some time now, ANA has been searching for a suitable site, and along the way, it encountered various projects with potential. However, due to funding or location constraints, they were ultimately assigned to another department, which has made it impossible to find something definitive.
In 2004, the National Archives relocated to its current site but had to expand to accommodate all its historical materials. Director Drs. Raymond Hernandez always aimed to find a location that fulfills all the requirements for housing the National Archives materials, including historical documents that must be preserved in a controlled climate.
He was searching for an isolated location where climate factors like temperature, humidity, and light would not cause damage. It would be ideal if they could implement the same system as the Dutch one, where containers with regulated temperature were adapted/modified to archive types of documents appropriately.
A new location to organize all archival materials, such as documents, videos, and photos, in dedicated spaces with appropriate temperature controls. A new location plans to organize all archival materials, such as documents, videos, and photos, in dedicated spaces with suitable temperature controls.
Now in 2025, as soon as the restoration project of the monumental water tanks in Kibaima is completed, the National Archives of Aruba will be housed in the modern complex. It is historic and a great achievement for the preservation of Aruba's history.
Director Hernandez also pointed out that the ideal construction of the Kibaima water tanks, standing on their feet for almost a hundred years, gives the impression of how solid these structures are. The community has always believed there were two water tanks, but in reality, four water tanks will undergo restoration to house the National Archives of Aruba.