U.S. Consul General in Monterrey, Melissa Bishop, inaugurated the restoration project of the Escárzaga Palace in Durango, funded by the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. With an investment of $230,000, this project seeks to preserve this iconic 19th-century building, part of the UNESCO-recognized world heritage site. The initiative highlights the cultural ties between Mexico and the U.S., promoting the conservation of shared heritage and strengthening diplomatic ties. Maya Communication Web Editor November 16, 2024
Durango, November 16, 2024 – In a ceremony full of symbolism and binational collaboration, the Consul General of the United States in Monterrey, Melissa Bishop, officially inaugurated the restoration project of the emblematic Escárzaga Palace, thanks to funding from the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) of the U.S. Department of State. This significant project, which has an investment of 230,000 dollars, stands out for being the first of its kind in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Monterrey, among more than 140 proposals worldwide.
The Escárzaga Palace, which currently houses the City Museum 450, is a true testament to the history and architecture of Durango. Built in the late 19th century by influential merchant and politician Pedro Escárzaga, this building has been a cornerstone in the heart of Durango’s Historic Center, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to its relationship with the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro Route.
In her speech, Consul General Bishop underscored the importance of this project not only for Durango, but for cultural relations between Mexico and the United States: “This project represents a long-standing commitment to cultural preservation and we are honored to receive this prestigious funding. The Escárzaga Palace is not only a symbol of Durango, but also a reflection of our shared heritage.”
The restoration will focus on preserving the building’s historic elements, ensuring its structural integrity and its preservation as a vital cultural landmark for the region. In addition, collaboration with conservation experts and local artisans will reinforce the positive impact on the community.
The project also highlights the historical and cultural ties that unite Mexico and the United States, especially through the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, which connected colonial Mexico with Santa Fe, New Mexico, being vital for the trade of silver and other goods between the Americas and Europe.
The inauguration of this project is only the beginning of a series of efforts aimed at strengthening relations between both nations through the conservation of shared cultural heritage. Consul Bishop concluded by saying: “The preservation of the Escárzaga Palace goes beyond restoring a building, it is an effort to safeguard a history that unites us across borders.”
The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, created in 2001, has funded more than 1,240 projects in 130 countries, supporting the protection of monuments, collections and cultural traditions, and promoting diplomatic and cultural engagement between nations. This project is a clear example of how collaboration in cultural preservation can strengthen international ties and benefit local communities.
Source: mayacomunicacion
