Museus de Campina Grande: o papel de construção da memória histórica e a educação patrimonial.

Abstract

This paper, entitled "Museums of Campina Grande: the Role of Building Historical Memory and Heritage Education", investigates the contribution of the Cotton Museum and the Historical Museum of Campina Grande in the construction and preservation of local historical memory, as well as their influence in the sphere of heritage education. The study focuses on cultural heritage as an essential resource for understanding cultural references in their various manifestations, promoting their recognition, appreciation and conservation, especially after academic activities developed with the PET scholarship and with the new subjects of the History course curriculum at UFCG. In the context of History, the critical analysis of memory and heritage is fundamental, therefore, this work, in addition to being part of the scope of a History undergraduate course, highlights the importance of museums as educational spaces for young people and adults, playing a crucial role in the extension of heritage education. The methodology used combines the analysis of museum documents, research and direct observations in the city's museums, allowing an evaluation of the curative and exhibition practices of these institutions. The relevance of this study is justified by the urgent need to understand how these institutions shape the city's historiographical narrative, significantly influencing the formation of the cultural identity of the Campina Grande community. The results reveal important gaps in the inclusion of certain historical and educational perspectives, highlighting the need for more inclusive and reflective practices. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that educational processes should prioritize the collective and democratic construction of knowledge, actively involving the communities that hold and produce cultural references, where different notions of heritage coexist. Ultimately, the aim is to understand the application of these practices in the local context, rethinking the construction of history promoted by Campina Grande's museums as essential for strengthening the city's cultural identity and promoting a collective memory that more fairly contemplates the diversity of its history.