The Museum of the Ponce Massacre is one of the most interesting museums around for history buffs. It’s the actual place where the massacre happened, which makes the experience even more impactful. The feeling you get when you’re there is really eerie. Personally, my heart felt really heavy because it’s such a tragic moment in the history of my island.
This massacre occurred on March 21, 1937. It is said to be the bloodiest act of repression towards the independent party in the history of Puerto Rico with 19 deaths and over 200 injured. The history behind this massacre is that the governor at the time, who was imposed by the US government, general Blandon Winship, ordered the killings of the nationalists. This after they got word that they had planned a march in Ponce. The gathering was peaceful, but they had already tilted them as “rebellious, no good doers”. That’s why Winship sent police officers, along with his right hand man, to stop them. One of the victims was a little girl coming out of church, so not all the deaths and injured were part of the march.
One of my few complaints is that there isn’t a guide to explain what you’re looking at. Also, it’s actually a pretty small place and it’s kind of hot which made me feel a little uncomfortable. I would recommend you consider wearing comfortable, airy clothes so you can have a better experience, because let’s be honest, the heat sometimes ruins it.
Photo From: Periodico Claridad
Location: Cuarto, Ponce 00732
Rosado, M. The Ponce Massacre (1937). Recovered December 3, 2018, from Enciclopedia de Puerto Rico Sitio web: https://enciclopediapr.org/en/encyclopedia/the-ponce-massacre-1937/
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