ERIH and the Douro Region

In response to an invitation from the Director of the Museum of the Douro ERIH was representend at a two day conference held in Portugal on the 24th-25th September.

The conference brought together representatives from museums and other organisations across the Douro region to discuss the creation of a new network to promote closer cooperation between museums and other sites in the region. The main emphasis for the network would be the port or fine wine production for which the Douro region is world famous. However, the sites embrace all aspects of the cultural heritage of the region including agricultural production (wine, olives, almonds, fruits); mining and quarrying; wind and water power; textile and cloth; and social history.

The presentation explained the origins and development of ERIH then focused upon the creation of regional routes. "The Industrious East" regional route in the East of England was chosen as a specific example being seen as comparable to the Douro region in that industry is largely rural based.

The concept of a new network of sites for the Douro was welcomed by the conference delegates. Once it has moved from concept to reality it will provide an ideal new ERIH regional route based upon the Museum of the Douro.