National Archaeological Museum of Aruba (MANA) thanks the people of Aruba for including in their celebrations for Dia di Betico the museum.
In four hours, the museum welcomed more than 500 visitors, showing a lot of interest in our archaeological heritage. It was noteworthy how many people took the opportunity to chat with the archaeologists, ask questions to the museum employees who were present in the exhibition room, those who attended the presentation on the artifacts of old Oranjestad, and those who bought the catalogue of paintings on this special day.
Exhibition rooms were continuously packed. Children and adults spend a good time reading, listening and exchanging experiences. In the garden, a pleasant family ambiance was enjoyed. Children – as well as some parents – were working on crafts, finding Indian stamps, and taking a break to drink a coffee, tea or juice. Children quietly enjoyed a movie about taking care of monuments, titled “Un les pa Maikey”, courtesy of Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba (SMFA), while they enjoyed popcorn from Pastoral Hubenil Dakota.
About 50 people were present for the lecture by archaeologist Raymundo Dijkhoff, about interesting findings in Oranjestad from the time of the Indians as well as the European period, and were impacted by all the information received. Archaeologist Harold Kelly exchanged with visitors of different ages about among other things, his investigation project related to climate change and its effects and received valuable knowledge from our local people. Fundacion 1403 was present to sell books of paintings, which almost sold out.
Dia di Betico, celebrating our national hero Betico Croes on the 25th of January, was very successful for MANA with a lot of families choosing to visit the museum. MANA is glad to see familiar faces back in the museum as well as many new faces. MANA thanks Pastoral Hubenil Dakota, F1403, SMFA and everyone who helped made this day successful.
MANA is situated in Schelpstraat 42 in Oranjestad, in the building complex Ecury. Follow them on their Facebook pages, Museo Arqueologico Nacional Aruba and National Archaeological Museum Aruba.
