The Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba (Aruba Monuments Fund Foundation) commemorated its 30th anniversary during a special ceremony at the Community Church, where the main focus was on the preservation of historical heritage and the future restoration of one of Aruba’s most recognizable monuments.
During the evening, representatives from the Government of Aruba, Monumentenfonds Aruba, the Protestant Community, and the Community Church Foundation gathered to officially mark the next phase in the preliminary process related to the future development and preservation of the Community Church.
A symbolic signing! In accordance with the legal clarifications provided later, the documentation signed during the ceremony forms part of a preliminary administrative process and does not yet represent a finalized formal transfer. The legal process and official registration of documents will follow in the next administrative phase.
Among the representatives present were Prime Minister Mike Eman, Minister of Infrastructure Rene Herdé, board members of Monumentenfonds Aruba, representatives of the Protestant Community, and the board of the Community Church Foundation.
An important part of the program was the presentation by outgoing director Anne Witsenburg, who shared the restoration vision for the Community Church and emphasized the urgent need to take action to prevent further deterioration of the historic building.
According to Witsenburg, the restoration project will be developed in four phases. The first phase focuses on urgent work such as roof repairs and resolving structural issues. Other phases include upgrading facilities, restoring the exterior space, and finally, the complete restoration of the Community Church.
During the celebration, it was also announced that the architectural firm Archiosa Architects will develop the complete restoration design for the complex free of charge, as a contribution to the preservation of national heritage.
The ceremony also served as a moment of recognition for the work that Monumentenfonds Aruba has carried out over the last 30 years in preserving monuments and historic buildings across Aruba.
In his message, Prime Minister Mike Eman emphasized that conserving historical heritage is essential to maintaining the identity and collective memory of the Aruban people.
“In a rapidly changing world, monuments help us remember who we are and where we come from,” Eman expressed.
According to the Prime Minister, the preservation of monuments is not only about conserving stone and buildings, but also about protecting the history, experiences, and values that have shaped Aruba and its community over generations.
At the end of the evening, Monumentenfonds Aruba expressed its gratitude to the community, partners, and volunteers who have contributed to the preservation of Aruba’s cultural heritage over three decades, reaffirming its commitment to continue protecting national heritage for future generations.
