“Diadema’s memory lives here” a local resident once said about this building. The Centro de Memória de Diadema stands as a testament to the city’s rich history. Inaugurated on December 3, 2003 the Centro de Memória de Diadema preserves the diverse memories of the municipality.
The Centro de Memória de Diadema serves researchers and students. It also helps residents with its vast collection. This collection includes images, texts, and audio-visual material. The archive is divided into two main sections. The first section is the Preservation of Memory. It holds oral and audio-visual documents. It also has collections from local archives and the press. The second section is Documentation and Reference. This section contains thematic files and the CMD library.
But how did the Centro de Memória de Diadema come to be? The building has an interesting past. In 1927, Alberto Simões Moreira acquired the property. He built the house when Diadema was still Vila Conceição. In the 1950s, Simões donated the house. He wanted the Congregação das Irmãs Oblatas do Espírito Santo to use it. It became a shelter for girls without families. Later, it housed Diadema’s first school, Colégio Helena Guerra. In the 1970s, the city took over the area. It became the Department of Education, Culture, Sport, and Leisure. Finally, in 2003 it became the Centro de Memória de Diadema.
In 2015, the Centro de Memória de Diadema underwent a complete restoration. The restoration cost R$ 976,000. The money came from private investment. The project included a new roof and updated electrical and plumbing systems. Workers repaired cracks and installed air conditioning. They also added a fire prevention system. The original design was preserved during the renovation. A stone grotto with an image of Nossa Senhora was also restored. The garden received a landscape design. Each plant is labeled with its origin and scientific name. Ramps and adapted bathrooms were added for accessibility.
The Centro de Memória de Diadema also hosts exhibitions. One notable exhibition was “Casas de Diadema”. It showcased the history of the city’s oldest residences. Visitors learned about the renovation of Casa de Pedra. The Centro de Memória de Diadema published a book called “Diadema Caminhos e Lugares”. The book is a historical journey through Diadema from 1500 to 2000.
The Centro de Memória de Diadema is more than just a building. It is a keeper of stories. It is a place where the past comes alive. As you leave, remember that you have walked through Diadema’s memory. The Centro de Memória de Diadema ensures these stories will continue to be told.