National Archives, Plaza de Mayo

Today, we had the opportunity to visit the country’s national archives and learn about the history of the railroad in the country and view the extensive preservation and storage process for historical documents and photos that tell the good and bad of the country’s story. Railroads in Argentina, just as in the United States, played a large role in the spread of people and ideas during the late 19th and 20th centuries and is currently the 8th largest network in the world. Argentina, despite its rich history, is still developing as country in terms of infrastructure. The building where the archives are stored was very humid and lacked a reasonable ventilation system to create an environment suitable for storage of the delicate items.

The most interesting part of the day for me was the opportunity to tour the area around La Casa Rosada and Plaza de Mayo. We had the opportunity to see remnants of the 1955 bombing of Plaza de Mayo, an act orchestrated by the Argentine Navy and Air Force as they opposed the Juan Perón era of government. One of the interesting things I have realized about Argentina’s government and its relationship with the people. Argentinians have great national pride and loyalty despite its recent legacy of dictatorship and political corruption. One of the buildings in Plaza de Mayo has never been restored from its damage from the bombings in order to remember the event and honor the lives lost in the tragedy.

I have realized that the city of Buenos Aires is very unique because it shares a personal history and the history of the nation. While exploring Plaza de Mayo, we had the opportunity to watch the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo march for answers to the disappearance of their children during the “Dirty War” period. Many people marched in solidarity with the mothers as they chanted and sang around the May Pyramid in the center of the plaza. It was interesting to witness this because of the events taking place in the United States right now as people of color are searching for answers and a resolution to a culture of state violence. It brings up a question of if things will ever be solved if these women are still searching for answers from their government over 30 years later.

On the bright side, it was a beautiful day in the city. We had the opportunity to see people on their morning commute to work, children on field trips, tango street performers, and people doing yoga in the park. Overall, Buenos Aires is a vibrant city and I look forward to uncovering more of the culture in the upcoming days.