Mértola Museum – 40 Years of Archaeology and Heritage Valuation – lectures within the scope of the activities of the Algarve Archaeological Association
Two lectures were held on 5 December, one at the Costume Museum of São Brás de Alportel and the other at the St. Joseph’s Convent in Lagoa, within the scope of the activities of the Algarve Archaeological Association entitled ‘Mértola Museum Town – 40 Years of Archaeology and Heritage Valuation‘. The contact followed a visit by AAP members to the Mértola Museum and their interest in the work carried out here in the field of archaeology and local history. The Museum was represented by Lígia Rafael and Fernando Martins. The lectures were attended by around 60 participants, mostly foreigners living in the Algarve, who showed great interest in the work carried out, which led to lively debates and an interesting exchange of ideas and experiences.
The Cláudio Torres Mértola Museum thanks the Algarve Archaeological Association for the invitation and the opportunity to collaborate in the future.
Summary
Since the 1970s, Heritage enhancement has been seen as one of the main drivers for the development of small towns where local museums are the main visitors attraction. This has always been the biggest challenge in Mértola: transforming a rural town in the south of the Alentejo into a centre of attraction as a way of retaining population and attracting tourism.
A new phase begins, not as golden as that of the port city, but as a place that knows its roots and its potential. At the heart of this new development phase is awareness of the importance of archaeology, cultural and natural heritage, and the importance of involving local players and the population.
Mértola Museum Town is a benchmark as a heritage research and enhancement project, but also as an innovative way of showing and disseminating results and knowledge.