On February 27, our students embarked on an enriching visit to the National Archives of Suriname. This excursion was a unique opportunity to explore Suriname’s historical records, understand the importance of preservation, and engage with history in an interactive way.
Learning about the National Archives
The visit began in the lecture hall, where students attended an introductory session on the role of the National Archives. Experts explained how historical documents are preserved and why they are vital to understanding Suriname’s past. A fascinating presentation gave students an insight into the types of records stored in the archive, from official government documents to personal records of historical figures.
Conservation and Restoration Area
Students then moved to the document conservation and restoration section, where they learned about the meticulous process of preserving fragile historical documents. Archivists demonstrated how delicate papers are cleaned, repaired, and stored to ensure their longevity for future generations.
Exploring the library and historical records
The group then visited the library, where they had the opportunity to view centuries-old books, official records, and manuscripts. They also had the chance to use different viewing devices, such as microfilm readers, to analyze original documents from the past. Viewing handwritten records from previous centuries sparked curiosity and led to interesting discussions.
A well-deserved break
After an intense morning of learning, the students enjoyed a refreshing break, which gave them time to talk about their discoveries and share their thoughts on the experience.
Immersion in the past through video
Returning to the lecture hall, the students watched a video that showed life in Suriname in decades past. This allowed them to better understand how daily life, culture, and society have evolved over the years. Many students found it eye-opening to compare lifestyles of the past to life today.
Returning to school with new perspectives
At the end of the visit, the students returned to school and spoke enthusiastically about everything they had learned. Their curiosity had been piqued and they were eager to explore more about their country’s history.
A memorable and inspiring experience
Throughout the visit, the students were actively engaged, asked insightful questions, and showed a keen interest in the historical materials. The trip not only reinforced their classroom learning, but also inspired them to appreciate the importance of historical preservation.
This experience was a powerful reminder that history is not just something written in textbooks, but is alive in the documents, records, and stories preserved at the National Archives of Suriname.
