On Cristo Street is the Carlos J. Finlay House Museum. Twenty years have passed since the cultural institution belonging to the Office of the Historian of Camagüey city (OHCC) opted to share with the community the legacy of a man of science.
It is thus that during this time there are many anecdotes in the place that hosts projects, events and actions associated with the academic improvement of Health professionals and others who, from a very young age, are integrated into the daily life of this group through the activities aimed at diverse audiences.
Also from within, within the daily work, this story with two decades is told through names such as Isela González, room watchman for seven years, with a fundamental role in the dissemination of Finlay’s work.
Odalmis Mederos Pérez, for example, can also count 20 years in the Office, of which she has dedicated nine to Casa Carlos J. Finlay as a gastronomic salesperson, a specialty that complements the services, based on specific knowledge of the activities characterized.
“It is a pride to be part of an institution that promotes the life and work of the great scientist from Camagüey, who discovered the transmitting agent of Yellow Fever. In addition, actions are developed here for different types of public depending on their needs; and it is satisfying to be able to serve the community and above all be useful,” says specialist Yaremi García Maceo.
Turning 20 has been a challenge, says García Maceo. It is necessary to disseminate that there is a place where scientific knowledge can be socialized in pursuit of the development of the city and the well-being of its people.
However, the two decades of the House Museum cannot be recounted without María del Carmen Pontón Guillemí. She spent 12 years as a main specialist and even though she had work experience, it meant a great challenge for her.
“Although she had been working at the OHCC for many years, taking on the cultural space had the determination to carry out a more complete treatment of the life and work of Carlos J. Finlay,” she explains.
“The value and meaning that this scientist has goes beyond Camagüey. His discovery was an important contribution for humanity, therefore the cultural institution must be used to the maximum”, says María.
In each academic exercise, in the curious look of a child, or in a parent looking for help with a task, there is that love for what is ours and for maintaining in the House Museum located on Cristo Street, the value of a universal man.
Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García
