Whispers of the Past - The Hidden History of St. Eustatius

Fi de Wit
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Whispers of the Past - The Hidden History of St. Eustatius unearths the untold stories of St. Eustatius, a small Dutch Caribbean island with a rich and overlooked history. We embark on a captivating journey through the island’s timeline, from its earliest roots to the present day. At the crossroads of historical narratives and women’s empowerment, we shine a bright light on the often-silenced voices of women—stories of strength, survival, and resilience that continue to inspire. These echoes of the past awaken pride in our collective heritage, connecting us to the present. Join us as we embrace history’s whispers to honor, heal, and pave the way for a more sovereign future.

  1. Behind the Whispers - Behind the Scenes

    07/12/2025

    Behind the Whispers - Behind the Scenes

    Go behind the scenes of Whispers of the Past with host Fi de Wit, as she shares the story behind the series. From childhood summers on Statia to archaeological digs and the legacy of women left out of the archives, this episode traces the emotional and creative process behind season one. Discover the inspiration, the unexpected turns, and the team that brought these whispers to life. Learn how grief, memory, and community shaped a podcast rooted in care and resistance, and how the journey continues. This is more than a recap. It’s a love letter to ancestral resilience, and a call to keep listening. — Produced by Simpler Media

    19 min
  2. Awakening from the Echoes of the Past 2000-2025

    05/24/2025

    Awakening from the Echoes of the Past 2000-2025

    In Awakening from the Echoes of the Past, we explore Stacia’s transformation from 2000 to 2025. From the quiet rumble of the Quill to the deep impact of 10-10-10, we trace how memory, gender, and governance intertwine. Featuring reflections from Governor Francis, historians, elders, and heritage experts, this episode uncovers the emotional legacies of post-emancipation grief and the unspoken costs of resilience. What happens when silence is no longer enough? How do women lead, heal, and preserve in the face of historical fracture? Through personal truths and public shifts, we ask what it takes to move from survival to liberation and how the echoes of the past can guide a freer future. — Produced by Simpler Media

    44 min
  3. Tides of Transformation 1950-2000

    05/10/2025

    Tides of Transformation 1950-2000

    In Tides of Transformation, we explore St. Eustatius from 1950 to 2000, a period of quiet but profound change. As men migrated for work, women led households, nurtured communities, and anchored culture. We reflect on intergenerational silence surrounding slavery, the resilience passed down through women, and the economic shift brought by Statia Oil Terminals.  Through stories from elders, nurses, activists, and Governor Alida Francis, we witness the strength of matriarchal leadership. These aren’t tales from textbooks—they’re lived memories, told in the flicker of oil lamps and the rhythm of daily care. — Produced by Simpler Media

    45 min
  4. Amazonia of the Caribbean 1900-1950

    04/19/2025

    Amazonia of the Caribbean 1900-1950

    In Amazonia of the Caribbean, we explore the early 20th century on St. Eustatius, when migration and hardship gave rise to a powerful matrifocal society. With men away at sea, in oil fields, or in war, women anchored homes, raised children, ran farms, and led communities. Through oral histories and expert insights, we uncover how station women without titles or formal authority became the foundation of resilience. From backyards to bakeries, their leadership shaped a cultural legacy of quiet strength, enduring care, and generational survival. Their story is not mythology—it’s the living truth behind the phrase “the women held the island together.” — Produced by Simpler Media

    37 min
  5. Freedom in July 1850-1900

    04/05/2025

    Freedom in July 1850-1900

    In this powerful episode, Freedom in July, we explore the meaning of emancipation in St. Eustatius. Through oral history, music, ritual, and memory, we uncover how freedom was celebrated, mourned, and redefined by women who shaped a new world from the ashes of bondage. From red ribbons and flamboyant flowers to the rise of education and migration, this episode traces the legacy of resistance and quiet revolutions. With voices like Governor Lady Alida Francis and Mr. Richardson, we remember how the enslaved reclaimed dignity—not through reparations, but through presence. What does it mean to be free when freedom came with nothing but a proclamation? — Produced by Simpler Media

    35 min
  6. Spring Break Announcement

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Spring Break Announcement

    In this spring break update, we reflect on the journey through St. Eustatius’ history—from blue beads symbolizing resistance to the unseen rebellions of enslaved women. As we pause for a brief break, we invite you to revisit past episodes and immerse yourself in the powerful stories of women who shaped the island’s past. With the expert voices, we’ve uncovered resilience, intelligence networks, and defiance. When we return, we’ll continue exploring the timeline from 1850 to today. Until then, let’s keep honoring history’s echoes and the lessons they hold for our present. — Produced by Simpler Media

    3 min
  7. Revolts and the Promise of Sovereignty 1800-1850

    03/08/2025

    Revolts and the Promise of Sovereignty 1800-1850

    Between 1800 and 1850, resistance surged across the Caribbean as the enslaved refused to wait for freedom to be granted. But rebellion wasn’t just about battle—it thrived in quiet defiance, spiritual leadership, and intelligence networks. Women played vital but often overlooked roles, shaping revolts from the shadows. From secret messengers to spiritual guides, their impact was undeniable. In this episode, historian Dr. Zara Anishanslin and local experts unravel the ways enslaved women challenged colonial rule, fought for sovereignty, and ensured survival. Their resistance didn’t always take the form of weapons—but it was powerful, strategic, and relentless. — Produced by Simpler Media

    41 min
  8. Golden Rock Dreams & Nightmares 1750-1800 Part 2

    02/22/2025

    Golden Rock Dreams & Nightmares 1750-1800 Part 2

    In Part 2 of Golden Rock Dreams and Nightmares, we delve into the paradoxical history of St. Eustatius during its "Golden Rock" era (1750–1800). The island flourished as a global trading hub, connecting continents and fueling revolutions, yet its wealth was built on exploitation and the labor of enslaved people.  We uncover the critical, yet often overlooked, contributions of the elite women on St Eustatius, whose strategic alliances and property management helped consolidate power—even as systems of oppression underpinned their privileges. How do these hidden narratives challenge our traditional views of colonial history, and what do they demand from us today? — Produced by Simpler Media

    34 min
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Whispers of the Past - The Hidden History of St. Eustatius unearths the untold stories of St. Eustatius, a small Dutch Caribbean island with a rich and overlooked history. We embark on a captivating journey through the island’s timeline, from its earliest roots to the present day. At the crossroads of historical narratives and women’s empowerment, we shine a bright light on the often-silenced voices of women—stories of strength, survival, and resilience that continue to inspire. These echoes of the past awaken pride in our collective heritage, connecting us to the present. Join us as we embrace history’s whispers to honor, heal, and pave the way for a more sovereign future.

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