Photography and heritage. First notes from the Colegio Nacional of Tucumán (Argentina, 1865-1920)

Abstract

From a first approach to the historical trajectory of the Colegio Nacional de Tucumán (Argentina), we reflect on a variety of cultural resources related to this institution. A set of photographs will allow us to investigate and retrace the trajectory of the Colegio Nacional from its origins (mid-1860s) to the first five years at its current location (1915-1920). During the period between 1865 and 1920, then, certain visual documents that record some sections of the Colegio Nacional (its Natural History Cabinet and its library), will make it possible to travel through the beginnings of this important educational establishment, the consolidation of photography in Tucumán and the consequences of the first archaeological excursion in northwestern Argentina. As a result of the analysis of certain photographs and the historical context in which they are framed, we provide reflections on the patrimonial relevance and the dynamics of the cultural and identity resources of the Colegio Nacional, a social space that functioned as a sounding board for what happened in the province during the last 160 years.