1
MEMORY OF THE WORLD REGISTER
Colombeia: Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda’s Archives
Ref N°2006-31
PART A - ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
1- Summary
Francisco de Miranda’s passion for freedom governed his life. Since 1790 he tenaciously promoted Latin America’s independence. He presented his project before the British Empire, traveled to revolutionary France seeking cooperation for his undertaking and promoted his project among politicians of the burgeoning American democracy. Simultaneously, he wrote constitutions, prepared invasion plans, wrote proclamations, promoted meetings, and raised funds; all for one purpose: the independence of the territories of Latin America.
The proposed documents contain a vast amount of varied and very interesting information concerning an era of worldwide transcendental change. The documentary series corresponds to the final years of the XVIII century and beginning of the XIX, directly related to different events of great historical meaning for humankind, such as: the Spanish war against the Moors of the Alauita Sultanate of Morocco; the process of independence of the United States and the decisive Franco-Spanish participation in the conflict; the political life of Tsarist Russia in the era of the Empress Catherine the Great; the French Revolution and the international war conflicts derived from it; and, last but not least, the initial struggle towards independence of Spanish–American colonies. Don Francisco de Miranda actively participated in each one of the above mentioned events.
- Captain of the Infantry Regiment of the Princess, Madrid 1772. - Captain of the Spanish Army Regiment for the Defence of Melilla (1774-1775) against the Sultan of Morocco. - Captain of the Regiment of Aragon and Aide-de-camp to General Juan Manuel Cajigal (1781) to strengthen the capture of Pensacola during the United States war of Independence. Because of such outstanding participation in the siege and surrender of Pensacola he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel of the Spanish army (May 1781). In 1782 he participated in the Spanish naval expedition that attempted to conquer the British Bahamas. - In 1787 he becomes a close acquaintance of the Tsarina Catherine the Great of Russia who authorized him to wear the uniform of the Russian army and protected him from the tenacious pursuit of Spanish espionage. - In 1792 he was appointed Field Marshal of the revolutionary French army owing to his successes in military endeavours; he accepted the responsibility with the intention of further promoting the ideal of Latin-American independence. Soon after, in recognition for his heroic conduct during the battle of Valmy (1792), he was distinguished with the rank of Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the French Republic. At Valmy, a monument (a statue) honours the memory of Don Francisco de Miranda. - Also, in 1792, he was appointed Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the North, second in command after French General Charles Dumouriez, in defence of the French revolution during the war against the Prussian-Austrian coalition. - In 1811, he was appointed Land and Sea Commander-in-Chief of the Venezuelan Confederation and led the initial independence campaigns against the Spanish rule. 2
Don Francisco de Miranda was one of the most important chronicle writers of his time. With a very acute sense of posterity and of the historic relevance of written records, he committed himself to preserving the traces of an era that he perceived as one of profound world changes. He witnessed the death of the Ancien Régime in France. Miranda was born and raised under the influence of the Enlightenment; he experienced intensely the Baroque era and the birth of Romanticism, the prevailing philosophy during the consolidation years of Spanish-America, as well as that of Greece. An officer of Spanish Armies during the Spanish-Moroccan war and the siege of Pensacola, in American Florida during the American war of independence; he played a key role as Commander-in-Chief of the French Armies of the North, under General Charles Dumouriez.
Francisco de Miranda kept a wide variety of relevant documents and records which illustrated his efforts to attract world attention to his cause of independence for Spanish America from the Spanish Crown: his valuable contribution to Republican France, his activities and strategic contacts made in numerous European countries and his subsequent trips to the United States of America sought to set the ground work for international awareness and opinion favourable to the initiative of independence for Spanish America.
He organized and saved personal and official letters, complete judicial records, notes, and even music scores of a revolutionary and military nature which today constitute the fundamental primary sources to understanding these processes of world importance, among them, one of the most decisive during the last centuries: the French Revolution. Miranda’s notable participation in this historic endeavour granted him the honour of being the only American whose name was inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
A restless traveler, he kept detailed records and compiled a vast amount of information making his archives one of the world’s most important libraries for the study of the era of Enlightenment. He traveled all over Europe, Asia Minor and the Atlantic coast of the United States. The result of which was a vast account of acute personal observations on different topics and an interesting compilation of documents and personal letters to and from important personalities of the time.
One of his very personal traits was his charisma and natural magnetism. He possessed a profound knowledge of the humanities, as a fluent reader and translator of Latin and classic (ancient) Greek. This fact has been clearly established through letters written by various personalities of the time who described him, in the United States of America, as a philosopher, a wise man, whose friendship was comparable to a treasure worth keeping.
His solid education was also made evident owing to his vast personal library, now non- existent (his widow sold it during the first quarter of the nineteenth century), kept in his London home (27 Grafton Way); now a property own by the Venezuelan State. 3
Miranda spoke several languages fluently, English, French and Italian among them and obviously Spanish. In his epistolary work, in his travel diaries, he described nations and their cultures, the characters and personalities he dealt with, the geography (orography, hydrographic, landscape and live stock). He also made interesting, profound and very deep comments of a historic nature. It is fascinating to note that very few elements escaped his inquisitive mind; for instance, he wrote descriptions of the works of art, mainly paintings and sculptures, at the palace of Louvre, that today could very well be used to edit a magnificent book for the museum. Among his many documents he kept an original score of the Marseillaise, the French national anthem, published during the Revolution.
Summarizing, Don Francisco de Miranda was the precursor of the independence of Venezuela and Spanish-America, owing to his presence in three continents, Africa, Europe and America; he was named “The First Universal Criollo”. His strategic continental ideology is evident in the abundant amount of personal letters compiled in the sixty-three (63) volumes that constitute his archives, now in the hands of the National Academy of History in Venezuela.
The archives of the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda have been recognized as one of the most authentic documentary sources on the development of the emancipation process of Spanish America.
In claiming he was a universal man, one must take into consideration his travels to North America and Euro-Asia (1783-1789), where he propagated and strengthened his political ideas. An avid and illustrated traveler comparable only to Humboldt —he created an image of the world from his aggregate observations and experiences— Miranda’s writings constitute a detailed record of events which illustrate the American and European lifestyle of the time. High level politics, cultural events, the manners of the social groups he belonged to, can all be appreciated. There are several accounts regarding the economic and commercial life of such societies.
The public disclosure of Miranda’s archive would be of great use as a valuable source of information to researchers of all nationalities, which have made the study of day to day life a branch of contemporary historiography. This is one of the most important sets of documents for the study of three historical processes transcendental for humankind. Francisco de Miranda’s sole purpose was to keep them, so as to provide the documentary source of ulterior studies.
2. Details of the nominator
2.1 Name: Dr. Ermila Troconis de Veracoechea, Director of the National Academy of History.
2.2 Relationship to the documentary heritage nominated
Since 1926 the original archives have been under custodianship of the National Academy of History of Venezuela. The Academy advises the Venezuelan State regarding the country’s history and documentary sources. This is the reason why the academy preserves part of the most important personal archives of some of the most important personalities of the country, including Simon Bolívar’s archives which have already become part of UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” Register.
2.3 Contact person 4
Author’s Curriculum vitae: Dr. Ermila Troconis de Veracoechea is a graduate of the School of History of the Central University of Venezuela (1966), Deputy Director of the General Archives of the Nation (1971.1975). Doctorate in History U.C.V (1975), Professor at “Andrés Bello” Catholic University (1967-1978), Full Professor U.C.V (1985). Director of the School of History, U.C.V (1984-1987), Director of the Institute of Spanish-American studies, U.C.V (1987-1989), retired from U.C.V since 1989. Member of the National Academy of History, Caracas (1978). Librarian- Archivist of the National Academy of History, 1991-1993, Re- elected 1993 -1995; 1995-1997; 1997-1999; 1999- 2002. Director of the National Academy of History (2002-2005). First woman to ever hold the position. Re-elected 2005- 2007.
2.4 Contact details
Dr. Ermila Troconis de Veracoechea. Avenida Universidad, Bolsa a San Francisco, Palacio de las Academias, Caracas. Venezuela. Zona Postal 1010. Phone: (58212) 482 9435 Fax: (58212) 4826720 E-mail: [email protected]
3. Identity and description of documentary Patrimony
3.1 Name and identification details of the items being nominated
Colombeia: Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda’s archives. Country: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela State, Province or Region; Caracas –Distrito Capital Address: Academia Nacional de La Historia, Avenida Universidad, Bolsa a San Francisco, Palacio de Las Academias. Zona Postal 1010. Name of Institution: Academia Nacional de La Historia, Dirección de Archivo- Biblioteca.
3.2 Description
Description and Inventory:
The archives of Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda comprise different types of documents, manuscripts, prints and maps. Miranda himself organized it in 1805. It includes sixty-three (63) volumes, divided into three sections according to type of documents:
Travels: ( 26 volumes) Spain, Africa; America (from Cuba and Florida to the United States during the historic period of struggling for independence from British rule) , Holland ( The Netherlands), Prussia, Saxony, Austria (Austro-Hungarian Empire), Italy (from the Serene State of Venice to the Rome of the Pontifical states and the Region of Naples), Turkey (Constantinople as the capital city of the Ottoman Empire and Asia Minor), Greece (as a province of the Ottoman Empire), Russia, Denmark, Hamburg, Rhine, Switzerland, Republican France and England, French Revolution (18 volumes) and negotiation ( 19 volumes).
Bibliographical Basis/ bases concerning registration 5
One of the most ancient publications is the Index of the volumes contained in Francisco de Miranda’s archives. This publication was ordered by the Minister of Public Instruction at the time, Dr. Rubén Gónzalez, national Academy of History, South America Publishing House, in Caracas. Dr. Vicente Dávila acted as academic supervisor of the publication. As a commissioner of the National Government, he directed and exhaustively revised the publication (America Printing Shop. Caracas, 1927).
The first edition. The first edition of the manuscripts was published in 1950. Another important publication from Miranda’s archives was issued in commemoration of his Bicentennial, in 24 volumes, the revision of which was made by a commission appointed by The National Academy of History and the volumes were printed in 1950 by “Talleres Tipográficos” de la Editorial Lex, in Havana, Cuba.
The second edition of the manuscripts is from 1978. This edition, revised by a technical team coordinated by Doña Josefina Rodríguez de Alonso (†) is still in the making and receives financial support from the Government of Venezuela. The members of the technical team are: Ms. Gloria Henriquez Uzcategui and Ms. Miren J. Basterra Ariño. Visual documentation (photos, videos taken from the element of documentary patrimony).
Some audiovisual material which will complement this proposal (photos, videos, CD ROM and a Web Site) is under preparation. In addition, a data base is being prepared with an index to help locate the original texts.
Account of origin
As stated in many publications, General Francisco de Miranda was a man with a very elevated historical conscience. The trait made him preserve his personal archives, the most ancient information about the history of the documentation date from 1812, during the process of General Miranda’s surrender before General Domingo Monteverde of the Spanish Army. This event which took place in the Mid-northern region of the former Captaincy General of Venezuela sealed the fall of the First Republic. Failure of the first attempts to free Venezuela from Spanish Rule put Miranda in a position of danger and vulnerability before the triumphant Spanish.
Due to the difficult political situation, Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda conceived the idea of travelling abroad. His intentions were to continue his fight for the independence of Venezuela and Spanish America from abroad. A few days before being detained by the Spanish, he sent all the boxes that contained this documentation to Curacao (a British Colony at the time). By doing so, he saved it for posterity. Soon after, the documents were sent to Great Britain, where they stayed until Venezuela acquired them in 1926.
A university located at the historic city of Coro, in Falcon State, bears the name of Francisco de Miranda. The Venezuelan flag, brought to Venezuela by Francisco de Miranda, was hoisted for the first time in Falcon, whose capital, the city of Coro, due to its history and beautiful colonial architecture was declared a World Heritage Site of the World by UNESCO.
BIBLIOGRAPHY BY FOREIGN AUTHORS ABOUT FRANCISCO DE MIRANDA
Acuña Guido, Miranda, Transito vital. London. G. Acuña 1979. 6
Alperovich, Moiser Samuilovich. Francisco de Miranda y Rusia. Moscú: Editorial Progreso, 1989.
Aguirre, Isidora. Los Libertadores, Bolívar y Miranda. Santiago de Chile. Ediciones LAR, 1993.
Zeuske, Michael, Francisco de Miranda y la Modernidad en America. Fundacion Mapfre Tavera y Ediciones Doce Calles, S.L. Madrid 2004.
Zwijsen, M. Victor Miranda el Mártir de la Libertad. A. Bethencourt é hijos. Curazao 1896.
Note: Over 245 titles have been published on the life and work of Don Francisco de Miranda. This figure does not include the presentations in different events, written materials, speeches, scholastic works, university students and government officials, etc. The figure may easily surpass over five hundred published works. See Annex for a complete bibliographic list.
Names and addresses of experts and independent specialized institutions that know of the value and origin of the documentary patrimony.
National Academy of History Venezuela.
- Dr. Ermila Troconis de Veracoechea. Historian and author of numerous publications. Director of the National Academy of History. Member of the Academy. Professor at the Central University of Venezuela. - Dr. Elias Pino Iturrieta. Historian and professor at Central University of Venezuela. Educator and Director of the Institute of Historic Research “Andres Bello” at Catholic University. Member of the Academy and Academic Secretary. - Dr. Hidelfonzo Leal, Historiographer and University professor. Director of the Institute of Historic Research at the Institute of Historic Research at the National Academy of History. - Dr. Blas Bruni Celli. Distinguished Medical Doctor. Member of the Academies of History, Language, Physical Science, Mathematical and Medicine. Historian and author of numerous publications. - Dr. Tomás Polanco Alcantara. Venezuelan historian a specialist on and biographer of the precursor of Spanish American independence, Don Francisco de Miranda. - Dr. Carmen Bohórquez.
4. Justification for inclusion/Assessment against criteria
4.1 Authenticity
During 1926, a group of Venezuelans led by the outstanding historian Caracciolo Parra Pérez, verified the authenticity of the documents. Later the National Academy of History corroborated this first diagnosis. Parra Pérez had been designated in England, a task he completed successfully.
4.2 World significance, uniqueness and irreplaceability 7
Through the study of the archives of Francisco de Miranda, it is possible to defend current knowledge of the most relevant historic events of the modern era, especially about the French Revolution and the beginnings of the struggle for the Spanish-American emancipation. Actually, Miranda’s archives are part of those primary sources that have not been properly disclosed to the public, in spite of the efforts of numerous social scientists, the Venezuelan state and the National Academy of History of Venezuela. Their disclosure and preservation are necessary so that researchers from over the world, now and in the future, may bring new light to the study of the French Revolution, the struggle for independence of the United States and the nations of Spanish America.
Some experts on American studies such as Dr. Pedro Manuel Arcaya, have been able to recognize the value of this set of documents which transcends by far our national frontiers. Miranda’s effort to keep record of historic events may very well be compared to that of some very famous chroniclers of travels and scientists. In Miranda’s case, is the very particular fact, that he was a witness to three independence monuments: the United States of America, French Revolution and the emancipation of the Spanish Colonies in America
A good part of the documents contains in General Miranda’s archives have made an impact on world history. The archives contain relevant information on the trial Miranda was subjected to due to the accusations made against him by General Carlos Dumouriez before Dantón and the French national Convention in 1793, as well as on the claims of treason made by Miranda against that General of the French army. This documentation was of vital importance for the verification of Dumouriez betrayal to the Revolution, and the strengthening of the position taken by Girondists against Jacobins during the analyses of the causes of the defeat of the French army of the North.
In addition, Miranda preserved a great amount of documents about the political process of the French Revolution, prints, letters written by French immigrants, among others, which provides evidence about an important part of the process of the Revolution, as well as the tense political atmosphere all through the legal process. On the other hand, Miranda knew how to detail the vision that such events inspired in both French and foreign observers.
These archives also contain records of the first ideas about the emancipation of Spanish America, especially in the “Minutes of Paris” where the first strategies were drawn up to solicit cooperation from Great Britain and the United State of America for the emancipation of Spanish America. Miranda undertook a series of actions in his effort to obtain support for the liberation cause. He wrote documents about his ideals and plans to consolidate the emancipation of Spanish America from the Spanish Crown. This documentary source may be very useful in determining, from the perspective of international diplomacy, the position of the most important nations of the time, regarding the possibility of independence for the Spanish Colonies.
4.3 Criteria of (a) time (b) place (c) people, (d) subject and theme (e) form and style a) Time 8
A considerable part of the documents in Miranda’s archives refer to the French Revolution. Eighteen out of sixty-three volumes, approximately 29%, contain information about that period of time that threatened the European crowns. In other words, this part of the documentation contains vital information about some of the most relevant and transcendental political and social events in the history of France and Europe. This has been acknowledged from the perspective of history of the world, of ideas and other historiography trends. The declaration of the rights of the man and the citizen, proclaimed in Paris on 26 August 1789 was also noticed by Miranda. He discussed it in his writings. He used it in his ideas and design of a plan to govern the nation he dreamed of liberating from Spanish oppression.
On the other hand, we must consider the Spanish American independence as a fact that transcends national borders since it involves historic events pertaining to two continents- America and Europe, which concur along the same line of development. This implies, ultimately and on a general level the argument of decolonization of the Americas as a justified and unavoidable world phenomenon (Even through the powers of Decimononic Europe proceeded to expand into Asia, Australia and Africa, based on the tradition of colonial enterprises). In the archives of General Miranda, it possible to gather insightful information to illustrate the origins and causes of Spanish-American independence, both from the perspective of the development of the events and from the perspective of the diplomatic arena where other nations interact- the United States of America and Great Britain- which Miranda attempted to introduce into the conflict. b) Place
Various essentials geographical scenarios served as the context to the ample and transcendental trajectory of Francisco de Miranda:
1.Europe- North of Africa (Morocco and Algiers) 2.The United States of America and the Caribbean Basin 3.France and other European and Asian countries (from Great Britain to Russian and Turkey) and South America.
Miranda’s archives contain interesting information about the process of independence of the United States, in which the Precursor participated, as well as numerous letters and description of the political, social economic and cultural life of the new nations. This stands as testimony of his crusade in favour of the cause of Spanish American independence, which ideal is depicted in the letters he exchanged with some personalities from the United States and other countries.
General Miranda described the landscape and wealth of North America, the people, their daily life and habits, the universities and successful new public institutions, all of which was part of his inquiring observation.
General Miranda’s archives contain vital information about Revolutionary France. As said previously, (18) of the sixty-three (63) volumes refer to the political activities of Paris during the final years of the eighteenth century (under the tyranny of Robespierre), the battles for the defence of the French Revolution against the Prussian –Australian coalition in which Miranda was victorious namely, Gran Pré (12 September 1792), Valmy (20 September 1792) and the surrender of the city of Amberes (3 October 1792), which was crucial to navigation on the Scheldt and whose closure had been ordered by the Peace Treaty of Wesphalia. 9
It is also important to mention the set of documents about the penal process Miranda was subjected to because of Dumouriez accusations of treason. This man unfairly blamed Miranda for the defeat during the battle of Neerwinden, which occurred in March 1793. Under the circumstances his defence before the revolutionary tribunal was very eloquent as Miranda bravely tried to prove his innocence and Dumouriez’ betrayal, in favouring the Austro- Prussian coalition. These documents, together with a considerable number of letters written by Miranda and the General of the Revolution, justify the adoption of this criterion, since the documents refer to a place (the Republic of France) and the historic sites in which the political events of great relevance to world history took place.
Miranda also painted his efforts to obtain cooperation from Great Britain and the United State of America to strengthen the cause of liberation of Spanish America. Miranda worried constantly lot about Spanish America and Venezuela, his country. This becomes evident in a review of some of the documents. His fight for freedom in North America and Revolutionary France, his lengthy travels to other European nations, did not make him neglect his ideal of freedom for Spanish America. This was his dream and desire.
c) People
Miranda’s leading role in events of notable historical transcendence, his political and military prestige, the secret pursuits conducted against him by the Spanish authorities in various European countries and the magnitude of his mission, placed him in a very special spot within the context of western history. he was a universal “Criollo”. His ideals for equality, his talents and education linked him to relevant characters of the history of the America and Europe. He was very deserving of General Napoleon Bonaparte’s words: “That Quixote, who is not crazy, has a sacred fire of the soul….” Miranda became friends with some very important men:
- William Pitt (1759-1806). British Prime Minister, Miranda tried to negotiate with him the cooperation from Great Britain for the liberation of Spanish colonies. - Maximilian de Robespierre (1758-1794). Leader of the period of terror of the French Revolution and Jorge Dantón (1759-17949) French revolutionary. Miranda’s rank as General of the Revolutionary army of the North permitted a direct relationship with these two personalities. - Dantón Jorge Santiago (1759-1794). Popular leader of the French Revolution. Member of the National Convention. he was the man who created on the 10 March 1793, the Revolutionary Military Tribunal that tried Miranda and Dumouriez for treason. Miranda suffered the horrors of Parisian prisons of the time, he was even a prisoner at the Conciergerie, the place from which men were taken to the guillotine, and then came horrible days at la Force and Les Magdelonettes. In this trial, Miranda was found not guilty and Dumouriez betrayal was proven. He had conceived the idea of joining the Austrian army. - Luis Felipe I. Known as “The Citizen King” (1773-1850). Son of the Duke of Orleans. King of France after restoration of the Monarchy of the Bourbons between 1830 and 1848. He was Lieutenant General of the Army of the North. He participated with Miranda as his subordinate in the battles of Valmy and Neerwinden. Shamelessly, Citizen Luis Felipe de Orleans joined Dumouriez against the French Government. As the King of France he took credit for having acknowledged the importance of the service of Miranda had lent to his country. He hurt Miranda’s portrait in room 1792 of the museum of Versailles and his name was inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe among the generals and heroes of the Revolution. Venezuelans who travel to Paris always visit the Arc which honours France, the people of France, its heroes and among them Francisco de Miranda. 10
- George Washington (1732-1799). Founder and first President of the United States of America. When Miranda was accused of treason by the Spanish Crown for showing the forts of Havana to the British General Campbell, he was forced to seek refuge in the United States. With an eloquent and very supportive letter of recommendation signed by his friend Don Juan Manuel Cajigal, Governor and captain General of Cuba, the precursor of Spanish American Independence was introduced to Washington. The accusations against Miranda in Cuba were part of a farce led by some Spaniards who resented the success of the “Criollo” it has been proven that the British Secret service knew about the state of the main sites and fortresses in Spanish America. The Spanish Secret service, on the other hand kept the Crown very well informed about British Military affairs in the new world. By 1799, Miranda’s former boss and friend, General Juan Manuel Cajigal, wrote him a letter telling him that he had been cleared of the Campbell affair almost twenty years before. - Catherine II, the Great (1729-1796) Tsarina of all Russia. Miranda had a passion for history; he visited Holland, Prussia, Italy, Greece and the Turkish Empire. During his tour he visited the sites of important historic and cultural events. He went to Russia from the Turkish Empire. He befriended Prince Potemkin, who gave him diplomatic immunity and letters of recommendation for Russian diplomats in Vienna, Paris, London, The Hague, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Berlin and Naples. The Tsarina appreciated the intrepid “Caraqueño” allowing him to wear the uniform of the Imperial Russian army. He was offered a permanent job but Miranda declined the offer because his ideals guided him to new horizons.
d) Subject and theme
The proposed documentation heritage contributes exceptional evidence about Francisco de Miranda’s undertakings in Europe and North America in favour of Spanish American emancipation. His contribution comprises the vision of an illuminated man, from an immense geographical space that was under a regime that he considered oppressive. Aspects and events of the French Revolution are also mentioned and described in detail. Miranda manifested through his writings his genuine passion for social and political justice. His active participation in the French Revolution and in the fight for emancipation of the Spanish territories of America proves that he was a man who loved his country, humanity and just causes. He lived and died for his ideals and convictions. 11 e) Form and Style
The letters and description written by Francisco de Miranda detailed an era of transition from the baroque to romanticism. Miranda was a child of the century of enlightement and as such, his style in writing in Spanish, French or English was impeccable. He had mastered the three languages. Miranda’s style was admirable whether using language to write informal personal letters or to formally and accurately describe the battles in which he had participated in the United States and later in Europe, His knowledge of languages and the depth of his cultural background allowed him to objectively describe the historic events in which he participated.
Social value
The validity of the criteria adopted previously justifies the use of this one. The social value of Miranda’s archives surpasses the limits of regional and even national culture. Miranda’s activities placed him on the international arena. His sacrifice (since he died miserably in “La Carraca”, a prison in Cadiz, Spain) set the example for other leaders who acknowledged his valuable contribution to the emancipation of Spanish America, Simón Bolívar amongst them. The flag he brought during his expedition to Coro in the state of Falcón, was used as a model in some Latin American countries, such as Colombia and Ecuador.
Through the archives of Francisco de Miranda it is possible to understand his view of the world. His understanding of social and historic events was so accurate that he is considered one of the Western World.
4.4. Issues of rarity, integrity, threat and management
The set of documents that is being proposed for the Memory of the World Register is, for many reasons, a unique collection. It is certainly rare because it details the particular effort made by a man who cared for the welfare of human beings and aspired for freedom for his country. The documents of the archives of General Francisco de Miranda depict the end of the ancient regime and the development of the French Revolution, from the point of view of an illustrated Latin American man. They present the vision of a man that was truly ahead of his time. His sense of social justice allowed him to understand social and historic events.
In Venezuela and Spanish America, Miranda is considered the forefather of our independence. He wanted to free Spanish America from the rule of the Spanish Crown. He devoted his life to working for this just cause. He lived and died for it. He was interested in keeping in touch with all those important people who could help the cause. His letters reveal these intentions and they form part of his archives. This documentary set is rare because it reveals a titanic effort from a man that was acknowledged and admired by great personalities of his time and whose presence is felt even after two hundred years.
5. Legal information
5.1 Owner (name and address)
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
5.2 Accessibility (name and address) 12
Academia Nacional de la Historia. Dirección de Archivo- Biblioteca, Avenida Universidad. Bolsa a San Francisco. Palacio de Las Academias, Caracas. Zona Postal 1010. telefax: (058212)-4823849
5.3 Copyright Status a) Ownership b) Public property c) Details of judicial and administrative provisions made to ensure preservation of the elements of the documentary heritage.
Decree For The Creation of the National Academy of History (art. 12).
“This academy will have the following obligations: 1 To collect for the library, prints and manuscripts about History;(….) to acquire and put together collections of all sorts of objects that may be classified as history monuments. To gather material about the history of Venezuela in all the different manifestations of public life and start preparing the annals to register events from the date of its creation.
Regulations of the National Academy of History. Articulo 11.
The librarian- archivist: The obligations of the librarian –archivist will be: To be in charge of the preservation and arrangement of the volumes and manuscripts of the academy and prepare the indexes; to buy books and manuscript in accordance with the rules of the institution.
The librarian-archivist is a member of the board of directors of the academy.
Availability:
The documentary series “Archivos de Miranda” has been published in two editions. The first edition comprises 24 volumes, it was put together between 1929 and 1950, and the second, under the name of Colombeia, was ordered by president decree N° 1.792, on the 25 September 1976. It is under publication, which started in 1978. Eighteen volumes have been published and distributed up to the present Researchers are not permitted direct access to the original documents in an effort to preserve the documents.
The totality of the collection may be studied in microfilm. The Academy offers the use of the microfilm and possibility to get photocopies. The academy is planning to offer the CD ROM format soon.
Copyrights:
None
Management:
The National academy of History is an autonomous public institution that was created by presidential decree on the 28th of October 1988. the state provides financial support. Custody of the documents is responsibility of the Direction of Archive-Library.
6. Management Plan
Is there a management plan existence for this documentary heritage? YES/NO 13
Site for the preservation of collection:
In spite of financial limitations, the institution has designed different plans for digitalizing and broadening the scope of different agreements of inter-institutional cooperation for the preservation of documents. The academy has undertaken preservation policies as a priority. Since 1999, the National Library of Venezuela and the National Academy of History have been working together in an attempt to strengthen preservation programmes.
7. Consultant
Name: Ermila Troconis de Veracoechea.
Director of the National Academy of History
PART B.- SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
8. Assessment of risk
8.1 Nature and scope of threats to this documentary patrimony.
The information contained in the general guidelines for the preservation of documentary patrimony.
The academy was founded on the 28th of October 1888 by presidential decree. During 110 years this institution has witnessed numerous political events in the country and it has never seen its integrity at risk. For this reason we claim there is no threat on account of political reason on the documentary of the institution and its seniority impose a degree of respect and honorability which go far beyond political events. The institution has custody of the archives of Simón Bolivar, which has already been included in the Memory of the World Register.
Environmental Conditions: a) Temperature between 20 and 25 degrees measured by thermometers. b) Control of relative humidity by means of dehumidifiers, measured by hydrometer. c) The documents are not exposed to ultraviolet or fluorescent lights in the safe where the archives are kept. d) Contamination is under control, it is practically non-existent. e) In order to avoid the presence of animals and insects that could jeopardize the physical integrity of the archives. f) The National Academy of History’s security personal watches the premises at all times. The Palace of the Academies where this institution’s headquarters are located is a very safe building, which is protected by the law of Historic and Culture Patrimony.
Preservation treatment adopted and instructions regarding the procedure for hiring experts and complementary professional services for preservation.
Plan for disaster prevention and emergencies in the case of disaster.
The palace of the academies, headquarters of the national Academy of History possesses a sophisticated system against disaster. There’s an alarm system, the area where the documents are kept is resistant to high temperatures. The box in which the archives is kept was designed and built in Italy. The windows were especially built a type of glass, which is resistant to high temperatures. 14
9. Assessment of preservation
9.1. Preservation context of the documentary heritage
Assessment of the state of preservation of the material should take into account the following considerations:
The physical state of the documentation is good. Several interventions have been conducted on the documents. For the process of restoration we have used 65 grams of Japanese tissue paper, ancient antacid vegetal glue (colourless, odourless, tasteless, Carboximetilcelulose).
The documents are examined periodically in order to conduct a diagnosis according to which proper treatment is decided. This starts with fumigation together with chemicals, which do not alter or damage the paper, using mainly Sulfuriyl fluoride. Then each volume is dry-cleaned separately, using a small cushion stuffed with ground rubber, a small brush and piece of wool. The security coffer is also dry-cleaned. We have tried to use paper of the colour shade used at the time with the intention of doing some grafting as well as some other procedures of restoration (lamination, strengthening, removing stains, pressing, etc.).
The original binding has also been dealt with very carefully. It has been restored and some of the volumes were treated following recommendations from the National Centre for paper preservation of the National Library of Venezuela, all of these with the purpose of eliminating insect eggs, and the possible presence of parasites and microorganisms.
Information on the physical conditions of the place where the collection is kept (conditions of air, temperature, humidity):
- Temperature between 20 to 25 ° Celsius. - Control of relative humidity by means of dehumidifiers by hydrometer. - The documentation is stored in a safe box built for its protection. It is opened daily for ventilation of the volumes. - The volumes are not exposed to ultraviolet or fluorescent light. - There is no air contamination. - In order to avoid animals and insects, we make sure the safe boxes that stores the collection is kept very clean. - The National Academy of History has security personal guarding the premises at all the times; the building where the offices are located is in good conditions and protected by historic and cultural heritage laws of the nation.
Number of employees for preservation, their qualifications and the programme for continuous education
- There are six employees in the area of preservation, trained and coordinated by specialist Carmen Torres. The National Centre for preservation of paper has trained our employees in charge of preservation of historic documents.
Researchers do not have access to original documents. Access to the documents is provided through photocopies and microfilm.
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF HISTORY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2005 -2007)
Director: Ermila Troconis de Veracoechea 15
First Deputy Director: Ramón Tovar L.
Second Deputy Director: Mario Sanoja Obediente
Administrative Vicedirector: Elias Pino Iturrieta
Vicedirector of Publications: Simón Alberto Consalvi
Vicedirector librarian and archivist: Santos R. Cortes
Caracas 2006
PART C – LODGMENT
This nomination is lodged by:
Name:
Signature:______Date:______