The history of Tobago is undoubtedly one of the most chequered and dramatic of any island in the West Indies. The island’s strategic position made it a prize for European nations vying for influence on the South American coast and The Caribbean Sea. For this reason, Tobago was fiercely contested by the First Peoples, Spanish, Dutch, Courlanders (Latvians), French and British during the 17th century and beyond. As a result, the island’s cultural heritage shows a blend of influences from many corners of Europe, enriched by First Peoples and transferred African traditions. Tobago’s Dutch story began in 1628 when 68 colonists founded Fort Flushing, near today’s Plymouth, and renamed the island Nieuw Walcheren after a region located in the Dutch province of Zeeland. For half a century, the Dutch fought fervently to retain a foothold in Tobago. However, designs of a lasting colony ended at the Battle of Rockley Bay in 1677, one of the largest and most significant naval battles of the 17th century. Join us as we explore this legacy in the lecture series: “From Vlissingen to Nieuw Walcheren: The Dutch Presence in Tobago & The West Indies.

Session 1: November 5th

Session 2: November 12th

Session 3: November 19th

Session 4: November 26th

Session 5: December 3rd

Session 6: December 10th

Session 7: December 17th

Session 8: January 7th 2022

Session 9: January 14th 2022

Session 10: January 21st 2022

Session 11: January 28th 2022