The Historical and Geographic Institute of the Federal District (IHGDF) had its headquarters invaded and vandalized in the early hours of this Friday (14). According to the president of the institution, José Teodoro Mendes, criminals forced open doors and shop windows, taking part of the collection of coins, commendations and historical objects linked to the inauguration of Brasília and the trajectory of the capital’s pioneers, including President Juscelino Kubitschek.
Another notable object stolen was the theodolite device of engineer Joffre Mozart Parada, who calculated the coordinates of the capital under construction.
According to Mendes, the crime represents a significant loss for the preservation of the city’s memory.
“Important pieces, rare coins and commendations received by pioneers were taken. It’s a shame, because this is Brasília’s memory”, he stated.
The president of the IHGDF reports that the institute is experiencing “a situation of poverty”, worsened by the lack of security. The private entity, created 62 years ago on JK’s initiative, depends on donations and faces financial difficulties in maintaining and monitoring the collection. “We have overcome poverty and reached insecurity. We are very vulnerable”, lamented Mendes.
The IHGDF offers educational and training activities, receiving around 6,000 primary and secondary school students annually, in addition to promoting courses aimed at teachers. For the institution, the theft compromises not only the historical heritage, but also the work of cultural dissemination.
A police report was registered by the institute. The Brazil Agency The Military Police asked whether policing in the region will be reinforced, but has not yet received a response.
