Historical Collection
The ABC Historical Collection gathers more than a century of Brazilian scientific memory, with documents, photos, videos, publications, and objects that portray the Academy's trajectory since 1916. A space to preserve, research, and celebrate the history of science in the country.
More than 100 years of history in science
The project to build the ABC Historical Memory Center “José Murilo de Carvalho” involved the survey, recovery, organization, cataloging, and digitization of the ABC’s documentary archives produced since its creation in 1916. This collection includes records on paper, videos and audios, photographs, publications in newspapers and virtual media, as well as paintings and various objects. The objective was to create a database that presents the description of the documents and allows searches and access to the digitized content.
On Paper
The ABC’s documentary collection includes minutes, correspondence, agreements, publications, printed materials, manuscripts, academic files, transcriptions of interviews, conferences, and other activities carried out at the ABC headquarters, in addition to a variety of official documents.
Still on paper, we have records of ABC activities published in newspapers, mainly in the Jornal do Comercio, which are digitized in the National Library. The preliminary assessment of the volume of this material (MAST), on 09/14/23, was 100 linear meters, equivalent to approximately 250,000 letter-size pages. Regarding the photographs, the volume of the collection was preliminarily assessed by MAST technicians at approximately six drawers, which correspond to approximately 360 linear meters.
Digital media
Recordings of testimonies, interviews, and conferences, in video and audio, in the process of transcription. Electronic material published on the ABC website since 2008, including the weekly newsletter “Notícias da ABC”, which in October 2025 had a mailing list with 23,812 active subscribers. Posts made on the following social networks: Instagram, since 2013; Facebook, 2011; X (formerly Twitter), 2009 and LinkedIn, since 2022.
In 3D
Medals and scientific instruments, paintings and objects.
The agreement with MAST
The Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences (MAST), located in Rio de Janeiro, is a public institution of the Brazilian Government dedicated to the study and dissemination of the history of science and technology in the country, museology, and science education.
Main milestones of the partnership
2007: Letter of intent
In 2007, a protocol of intentions was signed between the ABC and MAST, aiming at the transfer of books and publications from the Aristides Pacheco Leão Library of the ABC to the museum, where it was duly treated and cataloged, becoming the Henrique Morize Library of MAST (Search: ABC Library).
2015: Partnership formalized
In 2015, an agreement was signed between the two institutions.
2024: Beginning of the Memory Center
From 2024 onwards, the construction of the ABC Memory Center began. The documents processed by the Paper Document Conservation and Restoration Laboratory (Lapel/MAST) will join the Henrique Morize Library. MAST holds custody of the documents.
2025: Launch of the online library
In 2025, the ABC Online Library will go live, bringing together digitized collections and documentary descriptions accessible to the public. The launch marks an important step in democratizing access to Brazilian scientific memory, integrating the joint work of ABC and MAST on an open consultation and research platform.
2026: New wave of digitization
In 2026, the project advances with a new phase of digitization and cataloging of documents, photos, and audiovisual records. This stage significantly expands the volume of material available online and consolidates the continuous commitment to preserving and disseminating the historical heritage of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences.
More than 40,000 records of Brazilian scientific history
The result of the partnership between ABC and MAST, the collection brings together preserved, cataloged, and digitized documents that reveal the trajectory of the Academy and the development of science in the country.
Structure and operation series of the ABC
Files include records of the ABC founding meeting; inclusion of new members for the composition of the institution.
Series of categories of ABC members
Files include research and supporting documents from ABC members; academic production: scientist’s activity at ABC; correspondence; personal documents; among others.
Series of documents and iconographic records
Files include photographic records of research activities; various events; group meetings and individual photographs of Academy members.
Agreements and partnerships for the preservation of the ABC's scientific memory
The expansion of the ABC’s collection has partnerships with scientific institutions, universities, and funding agencies. These agreements guarantee the preservation, digitization, and dissemination of Brazilian scientific memory on different platforms.
National Academy of Engineering (ANE)
Annals of the ABC from 1929 to 2000
ANE cooperates with ABC in the preservation and digitization of the Annals published between 1929 and 2000, guaranteeing public access to the historical record of national scientific production.
Scientific Electronic Library Online
Annals of the ABC from Mar/2000
Since 2000, the Annals of the ABC have been published on SciELO, expanding international visibility and open access to Brazilian scientific research.
National Academy of Engineering (ANE)
Partnership in Interdisciplinary Projects
Agreement aimed at scientific and editorial cooperation between the academies, integrating collections, events, and publications in converging areas of science and technology.
National Academy of Medicine (ANM)
Integration of Medical and Natural Sciences
The ANM and ABC share records, publications, and historical documents, promoting dialogue between medicine, biology, and applied sciences.
National Library (BN)
Preservation and Dissemination of Historical Records
Agreement aimed at the digital availability of newspapers, periodicals, and historical publications of the ABC, expanding the reach of the Academy’s documentary collection.
FAPESP
Support for Research and Document Digitization
The partnership with FAPESP strengthens projects for digitization, indexing, and study of the Historical Collection, promoting access to historical sources of Brazilian science
Frequently Asked Questions
The collection brings together administrative documents, correspondence, photos, publications, video records, and historical objects from the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, preserved and digitized in partnership with MAST since 2024.
The original documents of the Historical Collection are being transferred from the ABC library, located at Rua Araújo Porto Alegre 64, 5th floor, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, to MAST, located at Rua Gen. Bruce, 586, Imperial de São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro.
Yes, just contact ABC by phone +55 21 2391-7802, or by email ascom@abc.org.br
Once online, the ABC’s digital collection will have a specific series dedicated to its academics. Curricular information of member scientists can also be found on the Academy’s official website, or by contacting +55 21 2391-7802, or by email ascom@abc.org.br