Whispers of the Past - The Hidden History of St. Eustatius

In Amazonia of the Caribbean, we explore the early 20th century on St. Eustatius, when migration and hardship gave rise to a powerful matrifocal society. With men away at sea, in oil fields, or in war, women anchored homes, raised children, ran farms, and led communities.

Through oral histories and expert insights, we uncover how station women without titles or formal authority became the foundation of resilience. From backyards to...

In this powerful episode, Freedom in July, we explore the meaning of emancipation in St. Eustatius. Through oral history, music, ritual, and memory, we uncover how freedom was celebrated, mourned, and redefined by women who shaped a new world from the ashes of bondage. From red ribbons and flamboyant flowers to the rise of education and migration, this episode traces the legacy of resistance and quiet revolutions. With voices like ...

In this spring break update, we reflect on the journey through St. Eustatius’ history—from blue beads symbolizing resistance to the unseen rebellions of enslaved women. As we pause for a brief break, we invite you to revisit past episodes and immerse yourself in the powerful stories of women who shaped the island’s past. With the expert voices, we’ve uncovered resilience, intelligence networks, and defiance. When we return, we’ll c...

Between 1800 and 1850, resistance surged across the Caribbean as the enslaved refused to wait for freedom to be granted. But rebellion wasn’t just about battle—it thrived in quiet defiance, spiritual leadership, and intelligence networks. Women played vital but often overlooked roles, shaping revolts from the shadows. From secret messengers to spiritual guides, their impact was undeniable. In this episode, historian Dr. Zara Anisha...

In Part 2 of Golden Rock Dreams and Nightmares, we delve into the paradoxical history of St. Eustatius during its "Golden Rock" era (1750–1800). The island flourished as a global trading hub, connecting continents and fueling revolutions, yet its wealth was built on exploitation and the labor of enslaved people. 

We uncover the critical, yet often overlooked, contributions of the elite women on St Eustatius, whose strategic all...

Explore St. Eustatius from 1750 to 1800, where booming warehouses, bold rebellions, and hidden stories of enslaved women intersect. Historian Dr. Allain reveals sweeping Caribbean upheavals while shining a light on how women quietly resisted an oppressive system. Discover the “First Salute,” recognizing American independence, and witness a fierce hurricane that exposes the island’s fragile success. 

Throughout, pressing questio...

In “Shadows of Suffering in Buccaneers Paradise,” we travel to St. Eustatius (1700–1750), an era of booming trade, shifting European alliances, and the exploitation of enslaved labor—particularly women. Fragmented records reveal how free women inherited property and shaped local economies, sometimes defying rigid colonial norms. Meanwhile, enslaved women bore the dual burden of forced labor and reproductive exploitation yet preserv...

St. Eustatius’ blue beads carry stories of resilience, identity, and survival. Once symbols of African traditions, they became intertwined with the lives of enslaved communities, bridging distant homelands with the island's harsh realities. This episode sheds light on the darker sides of history while celebrating the strength of memory and culture. Join us as we explore the years 1650–1700, preparing for the island’s dynamic rise i...

This season on Whispers of the Past, we’ve journeyed through Sint Eustatius' breathtaking landscapes and delved into its rich culture and history. From the matrilineal societies of the Saladoid people to the resilience of enslaved women during the transatlantic slave trade, we’ve uncovered powerful stories of women whose strength shaped their communities. As we take a holiday break, it’s the perfect time to revisit episodes you may...

As we step into the early colonial years of Sint Eustatius (1600–1650), we discover a critical period in the transatlantic enslaved trade. Guided by historians and local voices, we explore the unimaginable suffering endured by enslaved African men and women, with a focus on the unique exploitation of enslaved women as labourers and reproductive vessels. We also begin to uncover the story of the blue beads—these beads carry a histor...

In this episode of Whispers of the Past, we journey back to the pre-colonial era of St. Eustatius, once known as Aloi Island, the “Land of the Cashew.” We delve into the rich heritage of the island’s first inhabitants, uncovering a vibrant, matriarchal society where women held powerful roles and guided their communities.

With insights from archaeologists and historians, this episode explores the island’s indigenous origins, revealin...

Whispers of the Past sets the stage for a series that reframes history through voices that have long been in the shadows. We begin our captivating journey into the early history of St. Eustatius, revealing how the island’s unique cultural identity was shaped by natural forces and the lives of women too often omitted from traditional narratives. 

Experts discuss how St. Eustatius' volcanic landscape and strategic location foster...

In this trailer episode of Whispers of the Past, we introduce you to our podcast, where we unearth the untold stories of St. Eustatius, a small Dutch Caribbean island with a rich and often overlooked history. Together, we embark on a captivating journey through the island’s timeline, from its earliest roots to the present day. At the crossroads of historical narratives and women’s empowerment, we shine a bright light on the often-s...