Cultural ContributionsHistory

Archives of institutes, biographies of personalities and records of corporations’ history tell the societies’ story from the researchers’ point of view. Many studies that revealed important occurrences in Brazil and other countries have received Odebrecht’s sponsorship over recent years.

The works narrate events such as the 400-year history of the São Bento Monastery, the life of Father Anchieta, black peoples' contribution to the country's development, the history of the Navy and Air Force and the role of forts during past centuries. Also of special importance are the Itamaraty Map Collection, Brazilian fauna and flora in the 18th century and the discovery of Cabral.

By reviewing history, communities can build their futures based on the experience of the past.
 

Fifty Years of Urbanization – Salvador of Bahia during the 19th Century

Winner of the Clarival do Prado Valladares Award in 2004, the research project authored by Consuelo Novais Sampaio, professor at the Federal University of Bahia, was transformed into a book the following year. The illustrated edition features 200 images, many never before published.

50 Anos de Urbanização – Salvador da Bahia no século XIX addresses the changes and reactions provoked in Salvador with the development of the urban service network. During the second half of the 19th century, the city received its first public transportation, water supply, sanitation and lighting services.

The study demonstrates how these services gave Salvador a modernity that set it apart from the major Brazilian cities of the time. It also showed that the advance was driven heavily by private investments, as part of a successful partnership between the government and executives.