Following its digitalisation in 2008, the Council offers the Government of the Canary Islands access to documents detailing the day-to-day operations of the 19th-century Ayuntamiento
La Oliva’s Historical Archives Now Available to the Public
The history of La Oliva is now accessible to the public. The La Oliva Council, through the Department of Historical Heritage, led by David Hernández, has digitally delivered the earliest municipal records preserved in the council’s archives to the Government of the Canary Islands for public access. These heritage documents, dating back to 1882, can be accessed via the e-SPERIA platform, with the aim of preventing manipulation and ensuring their preservation over time.
116 Years of Municipal History
In this regard, historians, researchers, and the general public will have access to 116 years of the municipality’s history in digital format. The political, administrative, and social evolution of that time is now preserved not only on paper but also in digital form, facilitating access for those wishing to consult this information while allowing the original documents to be safely preserved.
Importance of Accessing Historical Records
The Mayor of La Oliva, Isaí Blanco, emphasises the significance of this action in facilitating historians’ work: “This is undoubtedly the best way to access information from those early municipal records dating back to the 19th century, whether for researchers or any citizen wishing to learn more about the history of the municipality.”
David Hernández, the Councillor for Historical Heritage, highlights the necessity of digitalising the documents: “Through the digitalisation carried out in 2008, we are now able to provide the Government of the Canary Islands with records that reflect the realities of life in La Oliva. Not only do we simplify access to information for those wishing to consult it, but we also contribute to the preservation of these documents, which tell the story of the municipality.”
Loss of Earlier Documentation
Although the Cadiz Cortes initiated the administrative reform of the Ayuntamiento in 1812, municipal activity did not become effective until 1833-1835 due to a lack of resources. However, the municipal documentation from the start of daily administration in 1835 up to the records preserved today from 1882 was destroyed in a fire at the council offices, leading to the loss of information pertaining to the preceding 50 years.
