History of Santamaria

The Juan Santamaria Museum was established on December 4th, 1974, by Republic Act No. 5619, which was amended by Law No. 6572 on April 23rd, 1981. Dr. Luis A. Salas Corrales of Alajuela initiated the project that resulted in this statute.  The museum is named after the national hero Juan Santamara, whose heroic action took place on April 11th, 1856 in Rivas, Nicaragua. The Museum opens its doors to the public on April 9th, 1980. 

What to expect of the Santamaria museum

This is the country's only museum dedicated to the theme of the National Campaign against the filibuster invader from 1856 to 1857. It is also the obligation of the museum to keep his heroic narrative starring in the collective memory of the Costa Rican people, as well as to evaluate the cultural heritage values of Alajuela. The museum contributes to the democratization of cultural services as a depositary of the nation's historical legacy and as the Community Cultural Center, with a defined community commitment. Furthermore, the Museum has taken up his responsibilities as a civic and public responsibility. It has received multiple accolades for its work in culture promotion and is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Youth. 

The Museum is governed by a five-member Board of Trustees who serve on an ad-hoc basis. The remaining four are picked from a list that includes the Local Government (Alajuela Municipality), Alajuela Institute, Alajuela College, and the Costa Rican Geography and History Academy. This institution is housed in the "Former Alajuela Jail," which was erected between 1894 and 1895 in the city of Alajuela, and the "Former Weapons Barracks," which was also created in the nineteenth century in the city of Alajuela, the birthplace of national hero Juan Santamaria. The two structures have been designated as historic – patrimonial interests. The legislators recognized the need of this embryonic institution maintaining a close relationship with its immediate surroundings, Alajuela, when placing its headquarters in this city.