Instituto Historico e Geografico Picture 1

More information on Natal Historical and Geographical Institute Photo by: Carla Salgueiro

Historical and Geographical Institute of Rio Grande do Norte.  The Institute of History and Geography of Rio Grande do Norte is the oldest cultural institution in the state, and celebrating its 100th year in 2002. It has been called the Memory House and was inaugurated on March 29, 1902. Its headquarters is located between the old Cathedral and the Palace of Culture (formerly the Government Palace), City High.

The library has more than 25,000 volumes, and includes several collections of newspapers, magazines and maps. The museum is small but keeps invaluable relics from the past.  Included in these, are a sink that belonged to Mother Christmas, a flag given to the ladies of the 34th Battalion which saw combat with Canudos followers of Antonio Conselheiro, the scarf that belonged to Father Miguelinho, the first treasure chest in the province, called "Ark of secrecy" and many other rarities.

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