UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

05/08/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/08/2024 10:44

Tula Museum in Curaçao Inaugurates '10 True Stories' Exhibit

The Tula Museum in Curaçao proudly unveils the "10 True Stories" exhibition, a groundbreaking exploration of the Dutch colonial slave trade, in partnership with the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands, UNESCO, the Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery, and the UN Information Center for the Caribbean Area. This marks the first-ever Caribbean presentation of this powerful exhibit.

Sharing Untold Stories:

"10 True Stories" sheds light on slavery in the Dutch colonial era (17th-19th centuries) across diverse regions, including Brazil, Suriname, the Caribbean, South Africa, Asia, and even the Netherlands. Through captivating narratives, the exhibit reveals the lives of enslaved individuals, those who profited from the system, and the courageous figures who fought against it.

The inauguration ceremony, held within the framework of the Consultation Meeting of the Caribbean SIDS National Commissions for UNESCO, is particularly poignant given the Tula Museum's historical significance. Tula, a key leader in the slave rebellion, called for resistance at the end of the 18th century. He wanted to implement freedom, equality, and fraternity in the Dutch colony of Curaçao, but he was arrested and convicted. He was brutally tortured and then beheaded. Today, Tula is commemorated as a hero in Curaçao and the Netherlands. It is prominently featured among the ten stories.

This impactful "10 True Stories" exhibition is a powerful platform for conversation and reflection, is open to the public, and serves as a testament to resilience and remembrance. Additionally, the organizers are excited to announce a series of planned youth engagement activities.

Tula Museum

Jeanne Henriquez, Director of the Tula Museum, stressed the importance of educating youth during the exhibition's inauguration.

By educating future generations, the "10 True Stories" exhibit ensures that the lessons of the past continue to shape a brighter future. We acknowledge the sad reality of slavery, recognizing its profound impact on nations in the Caribbean, deeply affected by the transatlantic slave trade. Reflecting on this dark period is crucial for understanding our present

Jeanne HenriquezDirector of the Tula Museum