Unesco's Memory of the World.
San Fernando Landmark Outdoor Museum – Unesco’s Memory of the World – An ICTA initiative in collaboration with San Fernando City Corporation
What is Unesco's Memory of the World?
The San Fernando Landmark Outdoor Museum Project represents an innovative approach to preserving and promoting local documentary heritage through an accessible outdoor exhibition format complemented by digital learning resources. This concept note outlines how this project aligns with the core objectives of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme and details the unique benefits of integrating physical landmarks with “The Explorer” online learning platform.
Alignment with Memory of the World Programme.
Objectives of the Memory of the World Programme.
The Memory of the World Programme aims to preserve documentary heritage, enhance accessibility, and raise awareness about the significance of such heritage. The San Fernando Landmark Outdoor Museum Project directly supports these objectives through:
Preservation of Documentary Heritage
– The project documents and preserves the historical narrative of San Fernando through carefully researched landmark posters.
– Historical photographs, maps, and cultural records that might otherwise deteriorate are digitized and presented in both physical and digital formats.
– Local documentary heritage is safeguarded against potential loss from natural disasters by creating redundant preservation systems (physical displays and digital archives).
Enhanced Accessibility
– The outdoor format removes traditional barriers to accessing cultural information, making heritage freely available to all community members regardless of socioeconomic status.
– QR code integration bridges physical and digital access points, allowing deeper exploration of documentary materials and student worksheets.
– The city-wide distribution of landmarks creates multiple entry points to engage with local heritage.
Project Components and Implementation.
Physical Elements
– Weather-resistant landmark posters strategically placed at historically significant locations throughout San Fernando
– Each landmark features historical documentation, photographs, and contextual information
– QR codes prominently displayed on each landmark poster
Digital Integration: “The Explorer” Online Learning Forum
– Dedicated section on the San Fernando City Corporation website
– Age-appropriate digital worksheets and activities accessed via QR codes
– Interactive learning modules that expand on the documentary information presented at physical landmarks
Benefits and Impact
Educational Benefits
– Provides experiential learning opportunities for children through exploration of their own community.
– Develops digital literacy skills through the integrated use of physical and online resources.
– Creates structured educational resources tied to the local history curriculum.
Community Benefits
– Strengthens community identity through shared understanding of local heritage.
– Transforms public spaces into educational environments.
– Increases intergenerational engagement with local documentary heritage.
Documentary Heritage Preservation Benefits
– Creates multiple preservation formats for important local records.
– Raises public awareness about the importance of documentary heritage preservation.
– Engages younger generations in heritage conservation through gamified digital experiences.
Accessibility Benefits
– Provides 24/7 access to cultural information through the outdoor format.
– Offers alternative learning pathways for different learning styles and abilities.
– Removes financial barriers to accessing cultural information.
An ICTA initiative in collaboration with the San Fernando City Corporation.
