The beating of the hearts of genealogists is unlikely to stop at the Departmental Archives of Maine-et-Loire! Since September, the first cycle of “Incontournables” has been presented and now reveals each season, an exceptional document drawn from the rich Angevin funds. The objective? Sharing unique treasures from the past with a public curious about history and in search of family roots.
To inaugurate this meeting, a rare document from the 16th century has been presented since September 2024: the map of Anjou produced by Lézin Guyet for Henri, Duke of Anjou. This old map, engraved in Antwerp and included in the first atlases of France from 1594, offers a unique look at the geography of the time. Imagine the villages where your ancestors may have lived, drawn with fascinating precision for the period, revealing unsuspected details of the region. A whole section of Anjou is offered to local history enthusiasts and genealogists, wishing to place their families in the context of their time.
The “Essentials” do not just put the documents in the window: everything is designed for total immersion. Support in sign language, adapted furniture, guided tours and detailed explanations offer everyone the opportunity to deepen their knowledge.
As a bonus, visitors can participate in the selection of the next documents exhibited via a vote, thus creating a dialogue between the archives and the public. The first two documents of the “Essentials” cycle were chosen by the Departmental Archives team. Your votes until November 30, 2024 to elect the next documents that will be presented. They are to be chosen from a cleverly concocted list of 13 archives ranging from the 12th century to 1970, the 14th choice is free, to add your own suggestion.
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