Otrobanda in Willemstad, Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean — Caribbean (Dutch Caribbean)

St. Martin Institute

— Anno 1842 —

Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025

1. St. Martin Institute Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

(Dutch):
Op 12 januari 1842, 10 j jaarna oprichting van de Congregatie, arriveerden de Zusters Franciscanessen van Roosendaal (Mariadal) op Curagao.

Hun doel was om scholen te bouwen voor kinderen van alle standen in Willemstad, een meisjespensionaat te openen voor de gegoede stand en het oprichten van kerkelijke gemeenschappen in de buitendistricten van het eiland.

“Als Franciscanessen willen wij vreugde, angst, zorg en hoop van mensen om ons heen delen, bij voorkeur van hen, die arm, onderdrukt en uitgesloten zijn. Wanneer voor kortstondige en onverwachte noden onze hulp wordt ingeroepen zullen wij zoveel mogelijk hieraan beantwoorden”.

Het Sint Martinus gesticht is de bakermat van het katholiek onderwijs in de Curacaosche Missie. Het gebouw wordttegenwoordig o.a. voor educatieve doeleinden gebruikt, maar biedt ook plaats aan boutique shops en kantoorruimtes.

(English):
The Franciscan Sisters of Roosendaal (Mariadal) arrived in Curacao on January 12th, 1842, 10 years after the foundation of the Congregation.

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Their objectives were to build schools for children of all social standing in Willemstad, to start an all-girls boarding school for the affluent community and to build a church community on the outside districts of the island.

“As Franciscan Sisters, we aim to share the joy, fears, burden and hope with the people around us. Especially the ones that feel rejected and suppressed. When people require unexpected and immediate help, they can rely on us to meet their needs as much as possible.”

The St. Martin Institute has been the source of catholic education in the Curacao Mission. Nowadays, the building is still used for educational purposes, though it accommodates small boutique shops and offices spaces as well.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.

Location. 12° 6.422′ N, 68° 56.219′ W. Marker is in Willemstad, Curaçao (Curaçao). It is in Otrobanda. It is on Rialtostraat, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Rialtostraat, Willemstad, Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is one of the Lesser Antilles

on the Caribbean Sea,

in in the Atlantic Ocean,

and in North America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Molenplein 12-19 (within shouting distance of this marker); Queen Emma Bridge (about

St. Martin Institute Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025

2. St. Martin Institute Marker - wide view

120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Leonard Burlington Smith (about 120 meters away); Luis Brion Monument (about 120 meters away); Dr. Efrain Jonckheer (about 150 meters away); Punda and Otrobanda (about 180 meters away); Hulanda Village (about 180 meters away); de Rouvilleweg 7 (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willemstad.

St. Martin Institute Marker - view of building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025

3. St. Martin Institute Marker - view of building

Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 147 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 27, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.