International Museum Day Celebration
ORANJESTAD - On May 18, 2025, in honor of International Museum Day, Aruba's prime minister, Mr. Mike Eman, visited two historically and culturally significant locations; the Bible Museum in the Protestant Church in Oranjestad and the Aruba National Archaeological Museum (MANA), in his capacity as minister in charge of culture.
The Bible Museum is small, with approximately 60 special Bibles from all over the world and different historical periods behind the Protestant Church. One of the most valuable copies is a Bible in Papiamento, translated in 1916. This is the first translation into Papiamento of the New Testament, written by 7 brave and visionary Aruban women.
A historical and significant detail is that one of the translators was Syla Eman-Lampe, the grandmother of Prime Minister Mike Eman and aunt of the musician and cultural pioneer Padu Lampe. Padu Lampe's mother, Mrs. Ida Croes, and five other Aruban women created the first book in Papiamento of Aruba. This translation was not only an act of faith but also a significant moment for the linguistic development of our Papiamento language.
International Museum Day is an opportunity for citizens to reconnect with their roots, understand our history, and honor the brave men and women who built our country. A visit to a museum is more than an educational experience; it is an act of respect and identity and a step closer to a future where our culture guides us.
A museum is the place where past and future meet. For our people, particularly the youth, visiting museums is vital for understanding our identity, our direction, and the values we need to protect.