From Silence to Memory: Revelations of the Archivo Histórico de la Policía Nacional.

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In 2005, a massive amount of documentation belonging to the former Guatemalan National Police was discovered. Among other types of data, it contained invaluable information on systematic human rights violations during the 36-year civil war that ravaged that country. The National Police Historical Archive (AHPN) has become a central piece in the efforts to find truth, justice, and reconciliation in Guatemala, and its work is attracting world-wide attention from archivists, librarians, scholars, activists, and human rights organizations.

The University of Oregon is proud to announce the publication of the English translation of the report From Silence to Memory: Revelations of the AHPN, originally published in Spanish in 2011, and to present the premiere of a documentary on the AHPN produced by Gabriela Martínez (UO School of Journalism and Communication), that tells the amazing story of this archive. A stellar line-up of speakers will highlight the importance of the work conducted by the AHPN and will reflect on the connections between the preservation of archives, the construction of collective memories, and the fostering of a culture of human rights in Guatemala and elsewhere.

This is the first installment of the event entitled From Silence to Memory: Archives and Human Rights in Guatemala and Beyond. This symposium focusing on the value of archives in human rights issues in Guatemala and elsewhere features a panel discussion with Internationally known panelists, a lecture that is part of the Philip H. Knight Dean of Libraries Distinguished Speaker Series, and a documentary film screening covering Guatemalan human rights issues.
Chair:
Stephanie Wood (University of Oregon)

Panelists:
Jean Franco (Columbia University)
Gustavo Meoño (National Police Historical Archive, Guatemala)
Kent Norsworthy (University of Texas, Austin)