De complexo carbonífero a museu: o processo de patrimonialização dos remanescentes do antigo complexo carbonífero de Arroio dos Ratos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil (1983 – 1994).

Abstract

The main goal of this research is to analyze and comprehend the patrimonialization process of a place connected to the coal industry – the remains of the old coal complex in Arroio dos Ratos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. There, in addition to the coal extraction activities, worked the first Brazilian power plant fueled by coal, which has opened in 1924. In 1956 Arroio dos Ratos saw the retreat of its economy based in coal extraction, after the transfer of mining activities for the city of Charqueadas, Rio Grande do Sul. Deindustrialization has brought to the district economic and social problems, in addition to the marks of the abandonment of mining activities, which for years has been the mainstay of the region. Thus, the remnants of the old coal complex were for about thirty years at the mercy of the human action, which have been dilapidating the old building by taking away the bricks and all that could be taken advantage of its structure, and of the time, that was responsible for oxidize the metal structures and cover with weed vegetation the space that once was dynamic. The main goals of this research are: observe and analyze the relationship between Arroio dos Ratos community with the remains of the old coal complex, nowadays named State Coal Museum; analyze the patrimonialization and musealization process under the light of the concepts of memory, identity and history and from the political perspective; comprehend how this patrimony has been being preserved during the last three decades; at last, consider and point opportunities on the social use of the studied patrimony. Starting from the interdisciplinary perspective, this case study follows the qualitative-quantitative methodological approach. The analysis and understanding of the process include: bibliographic research; direct observation; examination of documentary sources (processes, newspapers, brochures and photographs) found basically at the State Coal Museum collection; interviews with Arroio dos Ratos community members and other participants in this process, semistructured script; analysis of the answers of a virtual questionnaire applied to the coalfield community through social networks and other electronic media.