Today, the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba welcomes visitors from around the world. Few realize that the museum is housed within the former Ecury family complex, linking one of Aruba's most important cultural institutions to a family whose roots can be traced to the island's slavery past.
At the centre of this story is Maria Leonora, an enslaved woman whose descendants can be followed through the records preserved in Coleccion Aruba. Through emancipation records, family trees, and civil registers, it is possible to trace how her family grew across generations after slavery was abolished in 1863.
Following emancipation, members of Maria Leonora's family remained in Oranjestad. Living in Aruba's commercial centre offered opportunities that were less available in the rural districts. Over time, successive generations became involved in trade, business, and community life, laying the foundation for what would become one of Aruba's best-known families.
Among Maria Leonora's descendants were members of the Ecury family, including Segundo Nicasio "Dundun" Ecury, a prominent businessman. His company, S.N. Ecury, represented Ford automobiles, Goodrich tyres, refrigerators, radios, and a wide range of imported goods that helped modernise everyday life on the island.
In 1910, Dundun Ecury built the stately red house that still stands on Schelpstraat today. Although the architect is unknown, the building became a symbol of the family's success and growing importance within Aruban society.
Another member of the family, Boy Ecury, would later become one of Aruba's national heroes after joining the Dutch resistance during the Second World War and being executed by Nazi forces in 1944.
The family's success was reflected in the homes they built in Rancho. Over time, the Ecury family complex expanded and became a landmark within one of Aruba's oldest neighbourhoods. Today, these buildings form part of the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba.
Explore the Archives
The genealogy of Maria Leonora and the Ecury family can be explored through the records preserved in Coleccion Aruba.
