A Glimpse in the Diocesan Archives of Macau
A Glimpse in the Diocesan Archives of Macau
29
Mar
29/03/2023
Students of the Master in History and Heritage Studies programme attended a workshop co-organised by the Diocesan Archives of Macau and the Department of History and Heritage Studies of USJ.
On the 23rd of March, the office of the Diocesan Archives of Macau hosted a workshop for students of the Master in History and Heritage Studies programme of the University of Saint Joseph Macao (USJ). The activity was co-organised by the Diocesan Archives of Macau and the Department of History and Heritage Studies of USJ. The workshop took place in the Bishop’s House, which houses the archives.
Director of the Diocesan Office of Historical Archives and Patrimony (DDAHPC)) Mr. Benedict Keith Ip introduced several key points regarding the operation of the archives, discussing ethical and methodological issues in conservation management. He also highlighted key elements related to the conservation and restoration of objects, such as religious artifacts, books, or photographs.
In conservations science the key questions regarding conservation concern the value of the objects to be transferred into the future and methodologically deal with the balance of preserving the aesthetic and historical value of the objects. The complexity of the restoration process is often due to the involvement of multiple stakeholders. While budget and expertise limitations are some of the other key elements that condition the work of conservators and other stakeholders.
Students had a short tour of the archives and could see different types of objects. They also had a rare glimpse into the science of restoration and storage of different kinds of objects – books, celluloid films, and religious artifacts.
While the archives are open to the public by appointment, students and researchers may consider submitting a request online for a historical document for their research work.
