CIRMA – Centro de Investigaciones Regionales de Mesoamérica – is an incredible resource center located in the heart of Antigua. Founded in 1978 by historian Christopher H. Lutz and archeologist William R. Swezey, it has evolved exceptionally over the decades; indeed, some of us remember when CIRMA acquired the first computer in Antigua! Dedicated to the preservation of Guatemala’s visual and documentary patrimony, CIRMA is a non-profit foundation, not religious or political, and its collections speak of history from different voices.
CIRMA’s doors opened to the public as a small library, with publications related to social sciences and usually not available in the country. The Biblioteca de Ciencias Sociales now has over 100,000 titles, including rare books and special collections, as well as documents, articles and magazines.
In 1979, the Fototeca Guatemala was created by photographer Mitchell Denburg. Its main purpose is to preserve the visual memory of Guatemala and is considered the most important photo archive in Central America with more than 220 collections and 1.5 million images in different formats. Photographic images as early as 1840 truly bring to life the country’s past with its daily life, ethnic groups, art, architecture, political events, and natural disasters. We love those from the nineteenth century and early twentieth century!
From Qué Pasa print edition 139 October 2023
The Archivo Histórico was founded in 1997, and holds collections in various formats (paper, digital, microfilm, audio, and video). With a critical role in preserving Guatemala’s history, documents date back to the sixteenth century to the present, with an emphasis on the contemporary period starting in 1944. With 170+ collections including an important number of old maps, this archive offers a unique opportunity for researchers. The centenarian Diario El Imparcial has a trove of highlights about Guatemala in the twentieth century!
CIRMA is open to the public at 5a Calle Oriente No. 5 weekdays from 9am to 5pm. Appointments are recommended to visit the Fototeca and Archivo Histórico. School groups visit frequently to learn about the importance of this extensive resource. CIRMA is also very active with its outreach program to organizations and committees interested in acquiring skills in the preservation and management of collections. Over the past four decades, we have attended countless cultural activities at the lovely colonial house, restored in 1979. You may enjoy an overview of this priceless contribution to the safeguard of cultural and historical materials at www.cirma.org.gt
Definitely a WOW accomplishment!
