oa Activating heritage from the Surinamica collection of the Allard Pierson

At the intersection of library and museum contexts, the Allard Pierson critically interrogates the legacies of colonial entanglements present in its collections and institutional infrastructure. It centres its Surinamica Collection in a pioneering project for contemplation and radical change within the institution regarding decolonization of its collections and the implications thereof. This paper delves into the multifaceted approach of the Surinamica-project, delineating its evolution over three decades from initial inventory efforts in the 1990s to the recent appointment of a Junior Curator Surinamica in 2023. Central to the project's mission is the reclamation of heritage narratives, expanding beyond traditional printed sources to embrace diverse forms of expression reflective of Surinamese communities. Through strategic acquisitions, the Surinamica Collection becomes a dynamic repository, diversifying its large corpus of an inherently biased collection towards written sources, largely from a European colonial perspective. Moreover, the project underscores the significance of community engagement, striving to bridge historical divides and empower under/misrepresented individuals and collectives. Challenges vary from the complexities of cataloging diverse materials to navigating questions of presentation and preservation. The Surinamica-project offers proposals for confronting these obstacles, including cross-disciplinary surveys, digital integration efforts, and active acquisition policies. The incorporation of the Helstone collections exemplifies this commitment, illustrating how heritage materials can catalyze processes of reparation and reconciliation. At its core, the Surinamica-project embodies a shift towards decentralized, community-driven approaches to heritage management. By fostering long-term partnerships and amplifying diverse perspectives, it seeks to redefine the role of its institution in confronting colonial legacies and shaping inclusive narratives for the future.