The Government of Aragón has taken a significant step in the preservation of documentary heritage by formalizing a loan agreement with the monastic congregation of Santa Hildegarda. This agreement ensures the custody of valuable Benedictine archives at the Provincial Historical Archive of Huesca, preserving their original ownership.
Collaboration for the Preservation of Documentary Heritage
The signed contract covers the archives of the Monastery of Santa Cruz de Jaca and the Monastery of San Benito de Zaragoza. This pact is an example of collaboration between public administration and religious entities, guaranteeing the safety and conservation of these resources without compromising their ownership. The measure aims to protect historical documents dating from the 11th to the 20th century, including valuable medieval parchments and economic documentation.
The Monastery of Santa Cruz de Jaca, with origins in the 11th century, preserves a rich collection that includes letters of monastic profession and series of economic and patrimonial documents. Meanwhile, the archive of the Monastery of San Benito de Zaragoza, dating back to the 16th century, contains internal governance books and records of professions and deaths, as well as the Corella collections, which document monastic life since 1669.
Advanced Management and Digital Dissemination
The Provincial Historical Archive of Huesca will implement advanced conservation techniques and standardized archival criteria to manage these documents. Furthermore, the most relevant documents will be digitized, facilitating access for researchers and the general public through DARA, the system for disseminating Aragonese documentary heritage on the internet. This dedicated portal for the Benedictine collections will allow for new lines of research and academic projects, broadening the reach of these valuable documents.
The digitization and dissemination of these archives not only preserve their content but also democratize access to historical knowledge, enabling both academics and the general public to explore the richness of Aragonese Benedictine heritage.
