Contributions to awareness-building projects on the legacy of slavery

• DNB contribution: €450,000
• Type of project: educational/awareness-raising
• Purpose: Cultural heritage restoration
• Target group: people of Curaçao and tourists

Description
The Tula Museum is Curaçao’s national museum dedicated to Afro-Curaçaoan heritage. The museum is named after Tula, the leader of the great slave revolt of 1795. Following renovation, the museum will reopen in 2023. We are providing a financial contribution to the reopening of the museum. The museum will be part of a larger project in a deprived neighbourhood, in which three museums will portray the historical development of slavery.

Why is DNB supporting the Tula Museum?

• The museum boosts awareness about the history of slavery, making its legacy visible and opening it up as a topic of discussion.
• It is seen as important and enjoys wide support in Curaçao.
• Local people are involved in the museum in many ways.
• The museum develops educational activities and extensive programmes for schools and teachers.

• DNB contribution: €500,000
• Project type: educational/preservation of historical heritage
• Purpose: restoration of historical and cultural heritage and conversion into a museum. 
• Target group: people of Suriname 

Description
The Elisabeth Samson House in Paramaribo is a historic building dating from around 1742. The property has fallen into serious disrepair. The Friends of the Elisabeth Samson House foundation has acquired the property, and the aim is to restore and turn it into a museum and centre for dialogue about the era of slavery. It offers educational programmes for schools and more. Read more about the Elisabeth Samson House: Official website of Friends of Elisabeth Samson House

Why is DNB supporting the Elisabeth Samson House?

• The Elisabeth Samson House aims to preserve cultural and historical heritage.
• It boosts awareness about the history of slavery, making its legacy visible and opening it up as a topic of discussion.
• The Elisabeth Samson House provides a venue for educational activities and dialogue.

• DNB contribution: €120,000
• Type of project: educational/awareness-raising
• Purpose: contribute to preparations for new National Slavery Museum in Amsterdam
• Target group: children and young people

Description
The new National Slavery Museum aims to raise awareness among a wide audience about the history of slavery and its legacy, which continues to be felt today. Our contribution is to a preliminary, preparatory project whose aim is to collect ideas from children (9 - 12 years) and teenagers (12 - 18 years) for the future design and programme of the museum. This will also help build their awareness of the history of slavery and encourage them to participate in the design of the museum.

The National Slavery Museum is an initiative of the municipality of Amsterdam. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science supports this initiative.

Why is DNB supporting the National Slavery Museum?

• The museum boosts societal awareness about the history of slavery, making its legacy visible and opening it up as a topic of discussion.
• It encourages cooperation between various organisations actively involved in the history of slavery and its legacy, which continues to be felt today.
• It is a museum with nationwide reach.
• This project is a stepping stone for DNB for further cooperation and involvement with the National Slavery Museum.

For the next 10 years, DNB will allocate €500,000 annually to the new DNB Fund. This fund focuses on local initiatives by descendants of enslaved people that contribute to improving their living conditions.

In May 2024, we announced that we would allocate financial contributions to projects on Aruba and Saba.