Center for Iberian Historical Studies Hosts International Research Workshop at SLU-Madrid
The Center for Iberian Historical Studies (CIHS) at Saint Louis University-Madrid welcomed scholars and students from around the world June 22-26 for the second CIHS/CSA Madrid Research Workshop in Archives, Libraries and Art Collections. The weeklong program combined academic seminars with firsthand access to Spain's leading archives, libraries, museums and cultural institutions.
The workshop opened at SLU-Madrid before participants traveled throughout Madrid, Toledo and San Lorenzo de El Escorial to examine historical collections and engage directly with primary source materials under the guidance of internationally recognized scholars. The program included visits to institutions such as the Biblioteca Histórica Marqués de Valdecilla, the Prado Museum Library, the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas, the Archivo Histórico de la Nobleza, the Royal Library at El Escorial, the Instituto Valencia de Don Juan and the Factum Foundation.
Francisco "Paco" García-Serrano, Ph.D., vice rector, associate vice president and co-director of the Center for Iberian Historical Studies, said the workshop provides opportunities that are difficult to find outside Spain.
"Participants gain hands-on experience working in historical archives, libraries, museum collections, conservation laboratories, and other research institutions — resources that are often difficult to access for scholars based outside Spain," García-Serrano said. "At the same time, the workshop encourages a deeper appreciation for the richness and global significance of Iberian history. It also connects junior researchers with outstanding scholars in their fields of expertise."
Now in its second year, the workshop continues to expand its international reach, attracting doctoral candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates from leading universities in the United States and abroad.
Beyond introducing participants to Spain's rich documentary and artistic heritage, García-Serrano said the workshop aims to foster lasting academic partnerships.
"Our primary goal is to advance research on Iberian history and culture, but we also hope to build a lasting international community of scholars," he said. "We want participants to establish collaborations, coordinate research projects, develop joint publications and grant proposals, and ultimately form a new generation of Hispanists who will expand knowledge of Spain and the Iberian world in the United States and beyond."
The workshop concluded with the CIHS Annual Public Lecture, "Saints in Crates: Bringing the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to Texas," presented by Amanda W. Dotseth, Ph.D., director of the Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University, followed by a public reception and gala dinner.
Hosted by CIHS in collaboration with the Centro para el Estudio de la Cultura de la Monarquía Hispánica (CSA), the workshop reflects Saint Louis University's commitment to advancing research on Iberian history and culture while strengthening academic collaboration between Madrid, St. Louis and institutions across Europe and the United States.