Historical Memory in Dispute: Heritage, Narratives and Identity in the Construction of the Citriculture Project in Nova Iguaçu (1933-2003).
Historical memory, Identity, Nova Iguaçu, Cultural heritage, Citriculture project.
This study examines the construction of historical memory and identity in the city of Nova
Iguaçu between 1933 and 2003, analyzing the consolidation of the "citriculture project" as a
hegemonic narrative. The research explores how the local elite, centered in the district
headquarters, selectively preserved certain memories, emphasizing citriculture and historical
figures linked to agro-exportation while marginalizing narratives from groups such as
migrants, Black communities, and Indigenous peoples. The thesis focuses on four main
themes: 1) the relationship between identity and memory, employing concepts such as
"presentification" and the "established vs. outsiders" dichotomy; 2) built cultural heritage,
highlighting ineffective public policies and the neglect of listed landmarks, such as the São
Bernardino Farm; 3) the role of literary and journalistic production, particularly the Correio
da Lavoura newspaper, in disseminating an official identity; and 4) the influence of the
Historical and Geographical Institute of Nova Iguaçu (IHGNI) and figures like Ney Alberto in
shaping this historical memory. The methodology combines written source analysis (books,
newspapers) and oral history, revealing symbolic disputes and silenced narratives in the
formation of Nova Iguaçu’s identity. The study concludes that official memory was shaped by
political and economic interests, reinforcing Eurocentric and conservative values while
suppressing alternative narratives.