Official Opening of the Exhibition "Letter and Conscience: The Human Values of a People"

The opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the National Library of Aruba, San Nicolas Branch.

The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the history of slavery in Aruba and its profound impact on the development of Aruban society. Drawing on original documents preserved in the collections of the National Library of Aruba and the National Archives of Aruba, the exhibition sheds light on a deeply human story that has long remained underrepresented in our collective memory.

At the heart of the exhibition is a remarkable letter from the BNA's Aruban-Caribbean Collection. Together with notarial and administrative records preserved by the National Library and the National Archives, this document forms a central part of the exhibition. These archival materials contributed to the recent international recognition awarded under UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme. They provide invaluable historical evidence that helps reconstruct an essential chapter of Aruba's shared history while offering a broader understanding of life on the island during the nineteenth century.

Through authentic historical documents and firsthand records, visitors will gain insight into the lives of people who lived under the system of slavery, as well as stories of resistance, dignity, solidarity, and the enduring pursuit of freedom and justice. The exhibition highlights how values such as equality, brotherhood, and mutual respect have contributed to the gradual development of Aruban identity.

More than a historical exhibition, "Letter and Conscience: The Human Values of a People" invites visitors to engage in dialogue and reflect on the enduring importance of human rights, inclusion, and collective memory. The documents on display remind us that freedom and human dignity should never be taken for granted, but must be cherished, protected, and strengthened by every generation.

At a time when UNESCO and other international organizations continue to emphasize the importance of preserving documentary heritage as a foundation of memory and identity, this exhibition underscores the vital role that archives and libraries play as guardians of our shared history and cultural identity.

Students, educators, researchers, community leaders, and the general public are warmly invited to attend the official opening and discover the voices of the past that continue to speak to Aruba today.

Know our past. Value our heritage. Help build a future founded on understanding, respect, and human dignity.