Costa Rica Archives and Libraries

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Costa Rica

Archives and Libraries

Archives

Central American Archives
Center for Research Libraries
6050 S. Kenwood Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637-2804
Telephone: (800) 621-6044/(773) 955-4545
Email: mwilke@crl.edu
Website: Central American Archives
Website #2: Central American Archives

These archives encompass six million pages of original primary source documents (many of which are unique copies) spanning more than three centuries, from 1519 to 1898. They document Spanish rule in the New World from the founding of the city of Antigua, in Guatemala. The collection documents all aspects of commerce, politics, and development throughout El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and the Yucatan and Chiapas regions of Mexico. Central American Archives is a rich resource for Latin American, Central American, and Spanish studies.

Archdiocesan Historical Archive - Monsignore Bernardo Augusto Thiel
Av. 10
San José, Costa Rica
Next to las Ánimas church
Telephone: (506) 2223-2344
Email: archivocuria@arquisanjose.org
Website: Archdiocese Historical Archive

The Archdiocesan Historical Archive - Monsignore Bernardo Augusto Thiel is the Historical Archive of the Archdiocese of San José (Costa Rica), in charge of preserve and making available to the interesed parties the documentary heritage of the archive, the result of the activity developed by different diocesan institutions since the end from the 16th century onwards. Its is therefore a private archive, open to the public because because the Church understands that "the archive, as cultural goods, (...) over time acquire a universal dimension, becoming the heritage of all humanity". For more information about collections see Collections

Center for Regional Research of Mesoamerica (CIRMA)
5a. Calle Oriente No. 5
La Antigua, Sacatepéquez
Guatemala
Telephone: (502) 7931-0300
Email: cirma@cirma.org.gt
Website: Historical Archive
Website #2: Center for Mesoamerican Research
Website #3: Centro de Investigaciones Regionales de Mesoamérica (CIRMA)

The Historical Archive has as its main purpose to protect part of the country's historical memory through the rescue, organization, conservation and dissemination of documentary archives. The materials come from non-governmental institutions and private collections and are presented in different formats (paper, digital, microfilm, audio and video). These archives, some unique and others little known, enrich the national historical legacy and offer different points of view of Guatemalan society over time. Its collections, some of which are recognized as the nation's cultural heritage, date from the 16th century to the present, with an emphasis on the contemporary period starting in 1944. It currently houses 135 collections made up of more than eight million documents.

National Archives of Costa Rica
Curridabat, San José
Telephone: (506) 2283-1400
Email: archivonacional@dgan.go.cr
Website: National Archives of Costa Rica

The National Archive of Costa Rica is a decentralized institution of the Ministry of Culture and Youth. It is the governing entity of the National Archives System, as well as manages the documentary heritage of the Nation and collaborates with the control of the notarial exercise in the country. Its aims are to preserve and disseminate the documentary heritage of the Nation, guarantee people's access to information, promote transparency in administrative management and support decision-making.

Libraries

Costa Rica National Library (Biblioteca National Miguel Obregón Lizano)
Streets 15 and 17 Avenues 3 and 3B, San Jose
Telephone: (506) 221-2479 / (506) 221-2436
Email: dibinacr@racsa.co.cr
Email #2: sinabicr@racsa.co.cr
Website: Costa Rica National Library

Museums

Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum
Avenida 1, Calle Central y 2
Alajuela
Telephone: (506) 2441-4775/2430-5778
Email: info@mhcjs.go.cr
Email #2: educacion@mhcjs.go.cr
Website: Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum
Website #2: Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría

The Museum's collections are made up of materials that testify historical aspects related to the Central American war waged against the invading filibuster William Walker in 1856-1857: oil paintings, portraits, documents, weapons, and various objects related to this heroic deed. It is also responsible for assuming an evaluative function of Alajuela's cultural heritage and providing alternatives for community enjoyment and participation in the historical, educational, artistic, and cultural in general.

Museum of San Ramon
Calle Central
Avenida Juan Santamaría. Costado Norte del parque Central
San Ramón
Telephone: (506) 445-5533/2511-7103
Email: museo.regional.sanramon@gmail.com
Website: Museo Regional de San Ramón

Small museum containing pre-Columbian items of local history and culture.

National Museum of Costa Rica
Calle 17, Avenidas Central y Segunda | Antiguo Cuartel Bella Vista
San Jose
Telephone: (506) 257-1433/256-8643
Email: informacion@museocostarica.go.cr
Website: National Museum of Costa Rica
Website #2: History of the National Museum
Website #3: Museo Nacional Costa Rica

Since its very first years, the Costa Rica National Museum has focused on scientific investigation, education, exhibition, and defense of the country's natural and cultural heritage. Inside museum, tourists can find a wide variety of displays on the country's history and culture, from the pre-Columbian times all the way to the present.

For a list of museums in Costa Rica, go to List of museums in Costa Rica in Wikipedia.

Record Offices

National Registry of Costa Rica
215, San José Province, Curridabat
Telephone: (506) 2020-873/2281-3179/2202 0888
Email: bjuridica@rnp.go.cr
Website: National Registry of Costa Rica

In Costa Rica's National Registry we protect registered rights, providing legal security with quality services, qualified human resources, and suitable technology.