Solemn inauguration on July 29, 1905

With the attendance of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Dr. José Pardo, Ministers of State, Magistrates, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, and invited guests

Abstract

In this inaugural speech, Eugenio Larrabure y Unanue reflects on the historical evolution of Peru and the mission of the new Institute. He highlights the richness of indigenous traditions and the fusion of races but laments the lack of a methodical national history and the absence of organized archives. Larrabure calls for a protection policy of archaeological monuments from looting and historical speculation, as well as for following international patterns by publishing documentary collections. He pays homage to preceding historians and proposes a work program focused on archival research and the rectification of historical errors to build a solid national identity.