Antilliana & Judaica
The Antilliana collection
The Antilliana collection of the Mongui Maduro Library is a precious and historical collection with information on a wide range of subjects relating in the first place to Curaçao, but also the former Netherlands Antilles and the Caribbean region.
This valuable collection provides a broad reflection of Curaçao and it’s society. The archive includes literary and linguistic books, magazines, newspapers (-articles) and other unique publications, such as event programs and invitations, written both in Papiamentu and Dutch. The library has publications, written in Papiamentu, dating back to the 19th century, a crucial time in the early phase of the standardization of the language.
The Judaica collection
This collection consists of periodicals and documentation on Judaism in general and specifically on the history, culture and customs of the Curaçao Sephardic Jewish community since the 17th century.
A large part of the collection reflects the history of the Sephardic Jews from Spain, Portugal and Amsterdam who settled in The Dutch Caribbean islands (especially Curaçao) and also gives a glimpse of the history of the Sephardic Jews in the Caribbean region and Latin America. All those unique documents give insight into the life of The Sephardic Jews in Curaçao. It also provides information about their interactions and settlements in the broader Caribbean and North & South America. In addition to the extensive collection of the Levy Maduro family, there is information on almost every Jewish family of Curaçao.
Professional assistance is available every weekday morning to help you find your way into the collection.