Court records represent one aspect of the collective memory of the Haitien society; they represent a main source of information on the country’s social and economic history. Hence, making sure that the archives of the Court of First Instance in Cap-Haitian are properly archived and conserved is an important contribution to preserving Haiti’s past memory. A restoration project originated during the preparations of the festivities to celebrate the centenary of the death of Joseph Antenor Firmin, a native of Cap-Haitian.  

He was a writer, scientist and statesman who left his mark in the history of the island in the late 19th and early 20th century. 

This conservation project had been planned prior to the tragic events that shook the island in early 2010; essential for the culture and the memory of the Haitien society, it also seemed to fit perfectly with our foundation’s goals. Hence, The Carène Foundation approved a contribution.