Lecture Cynthia McLeod on Elisabeth Samsonhuis

The occasion for the lecture was a long-term loan of furniture from the RCE collection to the Elisabeth Samsonhuis in Paramaribo.

The restored Elisabeth Samsonhuis will open its doors in the summer of 2025. The house, located on the edge of the historic city centre of Paramaribo, was restored on behalf of the Stichting Vrienden van het Elisabeth Samsonhuis. A historical museum about Elisabeth Samson's life is being set up on the ground floor. The interior will reflect the period when Elisabeth and her partner Otto Creutz lived in the house (1742-1771). Furniture from Suriname will be supplemented with 62 objects on loan from the RCE collection. The choice of furniture was made by Cynthia McLeod and RCE employees based on Elisabeth Samson's inventory lists.

During her lecture, McLeod sketched a nuanced picture of the history of slavery in Suriname, the role of the Netherlands, and the educational importance of the renovation and opening of the Elisabeth Samsonhuis for Suriname. On February 28 this year, Mcleod received an honorary doctorate from the Anton de Kom University of Suriname for her services in making Surinamese history accessible to a wide audience.

Cynthia McLeod's lecture can be viewed via the link below.