Uncovering the Past with Dr. Jay Haviser
Uncover the history of St Maarten
Dr. Jay Haviser is on a mission to uncover the island’s fascinating history and preserve St. Maarten’s past, showing that archaeology is more than just digging up artifacts—it’s about connecting people with their roots.
With a passion for preserving cultural heritage by uncovering the past, Dr. Jay Haviser has spent four decades digging into the rich layers of Dutch Caribbean history, from indigenous settlements to more modern discoveries. His passion for archaeology stems from his belief that history is central to our cultural identity. “Heritage and archaeological research is about revealing who we are now in the perspective of who we were in the past,” says Haviser.
The St. Maarten Archaeological Center
Haviser is the founder of the St. Maarten Archaeological Center (SIMARC), a foundation that preserves the island’s cultural heritage and promotes scientific education. For him, archaeology isn’t just about uncovering artifacts—it’s about making history relevant and comprehensible for the local community so that the people of St. Maarten/St. Martin understand and appreciate their rich history as part of their identity today.
That is why community engagement is at the core of Haviser’s mission. For the past 20 years, he has emphasized the importance of integrating scientific research with local participation in the Dutch Caribbean islands. “I’m trying to find a greater balance between the needs of scientific investigation to understand what happened in history and the values and interests of the community, because it is, after all, their heritage,” he says. Haviser believes that archaeology is not just about gathering scientific evidence—it must also be relevant to the people whose history is being uncovered.
A prime example is a recent discovery in Simpson Bay. While restoring the old cistern after Hurricane Irma, Haviser and his team discovered a pull scraper, a machine used to build the island’s first airport in the 1940s. He explains that this find highlights the Simpson Bay community’s role in that historic project, fostering pride and a sense of identity.
Youth Programs
Haviser’s youth programs on St. Maarten/St. Martin, Saba, and Bonaire focus on educating local children about the importance of archaeology and history, aiming to cultivate a deeper awareness and appreciation for their heritage. Through hands-on fieldwork, young people can become active participants in the process of uncovering their own history. “Even if they don’t become archaeologists, the goal is to foster an appreciation for the value of science and the importance of their cultural heritage,” Haviser explains.
The SIMARC headquarters houses a collection of archaeological artifacts and serves as a platform for Haviser’s youth programs and science outreach, helping to cultivate the next generation of local scientists. However, Hurricane Irma’s destruction of the original center in 2017 still poses a significant challenge. “Irma destroyed the entire archaeological center,” Haviser says. “We saved about 85% of the collections, but as an emergency measure, we moved into this office space.’’
Though grateful for the new space, Haviser acknowledges that it’s insufficient for hosting larger groups, limiting the scope of his youth programs. “I can’t host a whole class here anymore,” he says, though he still organizes smaller sessions on request and brings his programs to schools. But despite these setbacks, Haviser remains optimistic. “Even with all the discouraging things that sometimes happen, I still have faith that we can do more good. For me, it’s really about giving the community a voice in their heritage.”
Looking ahead, Haviser envisions a centralized Cultural Heritage Center on St. Maarten/St. Martin that will combine a museum, archives, and an archaeological center. It would be a place for locals and visitors alike, where students can learn, the community can celebrate its heritage, and tourists can explore the island’s history. “We need everything in one place,” Haviser says, believing this integration is key to making heritage more accessible and impactful.
A glimpse of the island’s cultural heritage
For travelers looking to uncover some of St. Maarten’s rich history, there are several key archaeological and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage. According to Haviser, one such site is Emilio Wilson Park, where visitors can walk among the ruins of a former plantation. On the same estate, the Emilio Wilson Museum, located in a restored plantation house at Rainforest Adventures St. Maarten, offers insight into the conditions of plantation life as well as the customs and traditions of St. Maarten/St. Martin.
Another must-see historical site is Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631 by the Dutch and located on a scenic peninsula above Divi Little Bay Resort. A short hike to the fort offers stunning views, and signage explains its important role in the island’s history. Fort Louis, overlooking Marigot, also provides an incredible view after a steep but brief climb. Originally built in 1789 to protect French interests, it now offers historical panels in English and French detailing its past defenses against pirates.
For a connection to the island’s salt trade and a significant part of its identity as “Soualiga,” the Land of Salt, visit the Great Salt Pond in Philipsburg. Here, you can discover former salt pans and salt factory ruins. While driving down Pondfill, you’ll also pass the Salt Pickers roundabout, where statues honor the enslaved workers who harvested salt. The island’s authentic architecture is rich with distinctive gingerbread fretwork, which is another aspect of its local heritage. Walking down Front Street, you’ll spot examples of the intricate carvings on Caribbean architecture, such as the old Guavaberry Emporium, built in the 1830s, and the Vineyard building, originally imported from Baltimore and reassembled in Philipsburg in the late 1800s. Don’t miss the Court House, built in 1793 in Philipsburg, with its iconic wooden pineapple atop, symbolizing a warm welcome.
While driving around, keep an eye out for the island’s famous dry-pile stone walls, which are often labeled “slave walls,” as most were built by enslaved Africans or their descendants. But taller and more narrow walls were later constructed by the Chacha Ballahoo, a group of poor European descendants from St. Barths. Examples of both styles can be found throughout the island, with a notable example of the Chacha Ballahoo near the Cupecoy French-Dutch border and historic African walls in front of the Vineyard.
Did You Know?
Jay Haviser, now retired, was the specialist for monuments and archaeology at the ministry of Vromi Office of The Government of St. Maarten (2007 – 2018) after having been the archaeologist for the Netherlands Antilles government (1982 – 2007) he had founded and is currently helping to direct three youth and science programs with Simarc in St. Maarten (since 2005), Bonai on Bonaire (since 2003), and Sabarc in Saba (since 2012).
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