Located in one of the oldest buildings in the Historic Core is the home of Simon Doncker - a prominent Statia merchant of the 1700's. The house has a unique history and figured prominently in the American Revolution, as it was the residency of Admiral George Rodney after his capture of Statia in 1781.

The architectural style of the house has been maintained and reflects not only the wealth of its owners but their understanding of the climate in which they lived. It sturdiness is apparent in that it has resisted many earthquakes and hurricanes. The Granny Statia room depicts its more recent past and contains changing displays of the people of Statia.

The main gallery of the museum explores the Colonial history of Statia with text and artefacts prepared by The College of William and Mary in Williamsberg, Virginia, U.S.A. who have been responsible for most of the Colonial architectural digs on the island. Many of the artifacts were found by divers and other individuals or donated from private collections. This section details St. Eustatius's rise as "The Golden Rock", the history of our years as a major Slave Depot, our many Batteries and Forts and subsequent involvement in the American Revolution. Older residents of Statia fondly remember this house for its many lavish parties.

The basement gallery tells of our our Pre-Columbian History as investigated by the School of Archaeological Research from the Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands. Their extensive research in the Pre-Columbian History of Statia through preliminary investigation has provided a fascinating and mysterious picture of our first inhabitants, the Saladoid Indians from the Orinoco Valley of South America. These Indians came to Statia about 1000 years B.C. and left 700 to 1000 A.D. leaving behind a wealth of artifacts that excite us even today. While much is known about their houses and daily life many questions are left to be answered.

The Granny Room gives the Museum a chance to display some of the treasures given to us by local inhabitants and friends of Statia. Plans to display many of the pictures given to the Museum will create a changing story of our islands for residents and visitors alike. Future plans for this area include the availability of Living History tapes recorded from various seniors in our community, many of whom are no longer with us.

The St. Eustatius Historical Foundation is actively planning new museums for your enjoyment.

For more information on the Simon Doncker Museum and future museum initiatives contact:

 The St. Eustatius Historical Foundation
   Simon Doncker House
   Oranjestad, St. Eustatius
   Netherlands Antilles, Dutch West Indies
   Telephone: (599)318-2693
   Fax: (599) 318-2693
   e-mail: secar@hotmail.com