Page 6 - AHATA

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local Wednesday 3 april 2024

Visit the historic museum at Fort Zoutman!

Willem III Toren, Fort Zout- 1964, turning the site into
man had a more tumul- the Historic Museum it cur-
tuous past, including the rently is.
on-and-off reception of Despite its small size, The
unwanted members of the Historic Museum guards a
English military several times rich depository of the com-
(The Netherlands was at mercial, military and social
constant war with England history of Oranjestad, offer-
(Oranjestad)—Located in When anyone refers to Fort of The Netherlands, Willem back in the colonial era). ing a glance into how the
the middle of downtown Zoutman, they are actu- III. Willem III Toren was origi- Over the years, both the social culture of the town
Oranjestad, situated right ally referring to two sepa- nally a light tower, but after fort and the tower had came to be. If you are in-
next to the government rate buildings that, over the a request from Lieutenant functioned as different terested in history and want
building “Cocolishi”, is one years, have been merged: Governor Jan Helenus in government center points, to learn more about Aruba,
of the oldest buildings of the fort and the tower. 1866, it also became a bell including a tax and stamps then Fort Zoutman should
Aruba: Fort Zoutman. First That’s right, the iconic tower. office. For some time these definitely be included into
constructed in 1796, this 5-story, squared tower was The fort itself was originally two buildings also housed your itinerary.
site has been used (or left not part of the original constructed to protect a police precinct and jail, The museum is open Mon-
unused) in many ways and structure of the fort, and the commerce bay of and even experienced day to Friday from 9am-
have survived eras of war is actually called “Willem Paardenbaai from pirates abandonment until the 6pm, and Saturday from
and attempted disman- III Toren”. Constructed in and other disreputable Cultural Center Aruba 10am-2pm.q
tling. 1867, this tower was named characters roaming the Foundation (CCA) peti- Source: The Old Fort of Aruba
after the then-reigning king Caribbean Sea. Unlike the tioned for its renovation in by Jan Hartog.

The Aruba Tourism Authority honor loyal visitors on the island

Recently, Ms. Marouska Heyliger had
the great pleasure to honor a Loyal and
friendly visitors of Aruba at their home
away from home.

The honorees:
Gerald and Linda Darfler as Distinguished
Visitors from Colorado
Luc Anthony Zito as Goodwill Ambassador
from Quebec
The symbolic honorary title is presented on
behalf of the Minister of Tourism, as a to-
ken of appreciation to the guests who visit
Aruba between 10-20-35 and more con-
secutive years.
Ms. Marouska Heyliger thanked them for
choosing Aruba as their vacation destina-
tion and as their home away from home
for so many years together with the mem-
bers of Marriott Surf Club
Top reason for returning provided by the
honorees were:
Beautiful beaches, beautiful weather and
safety of the island.q