Medellín, ago. 14 de 2012 - Agencia de Noticias UN- This documentation center will receive US$24,000 to digitize 1,000 judicial records from the nineteenth century, in addition to classifying and describing them as well.

The amount was awarded through the Harvard College Library Latin-American Library and Archives Program. The laboratory had already received the same grant last year in the amount of US$20,000. This support helped save documents dated from between 1690 and 1898 which were handed over by the Superior Court of Medellín. 

“These documents are important due to their value as a primary resource for historical research. They come from the Medellín courts, and cover the time period from approximately 1667 to 1975. Given the ample time frame and the diverse collection of topics, these documents are an invaluable legacy for the UN. These documents will contribute to preserving the cultural and environmental heritage of Colombia”, says Berta Duque Gómez, Historical Sources Laboratory Coordinator. 

To preserve these documents, two things are taken into consideration. First is the intellectual aspect, that is, classification, description and inputting all the information into databases. This requires specialized studies in paleographic reading, as they are all hand-written. The second aspect is processing of the documents per se, as most of them have endured sub-standard storage practices, insect infestation, and dust coverage as well as human abuse. As all the documents are on paper, they will undergo preventive preservation, disinfection, cleaning and even washing in order to leave them in adequate storage condition.    

“The United States is very mindful of what happens in our countries. In the field of historical research there is special attention being given to Colombia. Additionally, if they had such informational resources available, the benefit to international researchers would be enormous” says Duque.  

The Historical Sources Laboratory is a cornerstone for research at the UN-Medellín Human and Economics Sciences Faculty, as well as for other universities, such as the Antioquia and Bolivariana Universities, which use this facility regularly. 

(Por:Fin/dg/sup)

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