Montijo Municipal Archive

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Setúbal > Montijo > Montijo > Zona Industrial do Pau Queimado

Location

The Montijo Municipal Archive is located in an area further away from the urban center, specifically in the Pau Queimado Industrial Zone, in Montijo. This location, although not central, reflects the nature of the building, which was adapted from an old industrial construction, Secil Prebetão. Its position outside the main urban fabric ensures a peaceful environment, suitable for the preservation and study of the historical documents housed there.

The Guardian of Local Memory

This archive plays a fundamental role in preserving the identity and history of the municipality of Montijo. It functions as a safe where records and documents recounting the life of the community over the centuries are kept. Since its creation in 1987, it has been the repository for a vast range of documentation, including official records from the Municipal Council and other local institutions, such as associations and businesses. It is an essential place for anyone seeking to understand Montijo's journey, its people, and the events that shaped the region.

Collection and Access to the Past

At the Municipal Archive, visitors interested in history have the opportunity to directly consult the documentation that constitutes Montijo's living memory. Among the treasures preserved are documents of great historical relevance, such as the Foral de Canha, dating from the 16th century, or the first minutes of the council meetings of the former Aldeia Galega, which date back to the mid-19th century. In addition to accessing these original records, the space has an auxiliary library with reference works and local bibliography, offering a complement for studying and deepening knowledge about the region. The archive facilitates the reproduction of documents for consultation and research.

An Evolving Space

The current facilities of the Montijo Municipal Archive are the result of a process of adaptation and expansion, aiming for the best conditions for safeguarding the documentary heritage. Inaugurated in its first phase in 2001 and fully completed in 2007, the building was designed to offer a controlled environment, crucial for the long-term conservation of documents. This investment significantly increased storage capacity and introduced appropriate climate control systems, ensuring the protection of records against the ravages of time. In addition to the storage area, the archive includes a dedicated exhibition space, which periodically presents initiatives related to the dissemination of the municipal historical heritage, making history accessible to a wider audience.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt