The Aruban National Archives (ANA) is the Government agency responsible for the housing, care and preservation of our archives (documents, photos, videos, cassettes etc) that have a historical value for Aruba. These archives are considered to be the ' national memory and cultural heritage ' of our island.

ANA aims to expand its services fully, where our national-cultural-historical archives are kept in a responsible manner for the benefit of the litigant and information-seeking citizens, researchers and for the future generations who want to know more about the history of Aruba.

ANA’s main task is the housing, care and preservation of the archives from both ANA itself and other government agencies.

The tasks of ANA, among others, consist of:

  • Administration of the archives (both Government and private);
  • Inspection of the storage conditions for the archives in General;
  • Advise the Government on how to handle the archives of Aruba;
  • Organize, describe and make the archives accessible for research;
  • Provide information on the archives that are in use;
  • Conduct research and write reports on the findings of the research;
  • Researching ' family tree ' for those who are interested in their family history;
  • Reproduction of photos, video and other visual material.

Vision of the future, ANA wants to extend its service by, amongst others:

  • Becoming the central storehouse for the Government records;
  • Becoming the public documentation centre for information and research;
  • Extending the opportunity to preserve archives for individuals and companies;
  • Awakening the historical interest among the population through;
  • Making the reading room available to adults and students for study and research;
  • Becoming the activity centre, where courses are given in the field of archives and historical themes/exhibits.

Operating hours:

General: Monday – Friday from 7: 30 a.m.-12: 00 p.m. – 1.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Study room: Monday – Friday from 8: 00 a.m. 11.45 a.m. – 1.30 p.m.-4.00 p.m.