The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) and the Brazilian Studies Association (BRASA) hereby express their condolences for the fire at the Museu Nacional of Brazil and request the protection of this patrimony of humanity.
The disastrous fire at Brazil’s oldest cultural institution, the Museu Nacional, and the loss of collections of incalculable scholarly and scientific value, has shocked and saddened scholars and researchers far beyond Rio de Janeiro. The Executive Council of the Latin American Studies Association (LASA), an organization dedicated to the promotion of scholarly research and exchange and the translation of knowledge related to Latin America, and the Brazilian Studies Association, an international professional organization dedicated to promoting Brazilian Studies in the United States, first wish to offer their profound condolences to the Museu Nacional’s researchers, curators, students, and staff, and to the Brazilian people, who are the most directly affected by this tragedy.
About LASA
The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) is the largest professional association in the world for individuals and institutions engaged in the study of Latin America. With over 13,000 members, over 60% of whom reside outside the United States, LASA is the one association that brings together experts on Latin America from all disciplines and diverse occupational endeavors, across the globe. LASA's mission is to foster intellectual discussion, research, and teaching on Latin America, the Caribbean, and its people throughout the Americas, promote the interests of its diverse membership, and encourage civic engagement through network building and public debate.
If you wish to interview a LASA Executive Council member, you can contact the LASA communications office at (412) 648-7929 or send an email to lasa@lasaweb.org.