ArxiuHistòricArxidiocesàdeTarragona

When on 9th February 1920, Cardinal Francesc d’Assís Vidal i Barraquer founded Arxiu Històric Arxidiocesà de Tarragona (AHAT), he did it on the basis of bringing together different batches of documents. A triple intention was in his mind: to avoid the possible loss of documents, ensure their preservation and make their access easier.

Thus, the Archbishopric of Tarragona was the pioneer to concentrate ecclesiastic archives, especially those from parishes. Furthermore, the creation of AHAT has lead to a progressive professionalization and a more technical service Archivistics- that claims, more and more, an appropriate training for those who work in this field. Simultaneously, it has had the possibility to pay a responsible attention to users and give access to historical documentation in a normal and regular way, by avoiding traditional dangers such as discretional nature and confidence.

In our society, spreading of culture and social projection are two of the most important tasks that are developed in archives. The main purpose of ahat is to stop being an unknown institution for people. We try to make one’s name and release our daily tasks leaflets, publication of our descriptive materials, exhibitions, training in Archivistics, etc.. According to social projection, we try to strengthen the influence of ahat on its distant and close social environment parishes, the press, society, universities, etc.

This web, which is launched today, is an alive and up-to-date expression of what ahat has been and represented since it was founded.

The Church in Tarragona has a big commitment with the history and culture of our country. Our track through the 20th century has lead us to think out what protection towards our cultural heritage means. Therefore, our proposal is to go on with what we started eighty-six years ago.

Tarragona, 23rd September 2006.