Bay at risk: efforts to preserve the legacy of historian Cid Teixeira.

The history of Bahia is at a crossroads, with the sale of the vast bibliographic collection of historian Cid Teixeira, a prominent guardian of local history who passed away in December 2021 at the age of 96. His collection, which spans approximately 18,000 volumes, is located in an apartment in the Pituba neighborhood and is being offered at a symbolic price of R$ 100,000. This decision has sparked intense debate about the future of these materials, which are considered a true cultural treasure. The historian's grandson, Cid Neto, has indicated that the family has chosen a price significantly lower than the market value, with the intention of facilitating the purchase of the entire collection. This decision aims not only to cover storage costs but also to ensure that the collection remains in Bahia, where it has been part of its cultural legacy. "The idea is for the books to be acquired by someone who values them and keeps them in their original context," Neto stated, emphasizing the importance of the geographical location of the collection. Cid Teixeira's collection is rich in content and diversity. Among its volumes are works addressing topics such as politics, law, and customs during Brazil's colonial period, as well as old newspapers documenting advertisements from that time, including those related to the sale of slaves. Additionally, the collection includes traveler diaries and books about World War II, as well as volumes autographed by renowned artists like Carybé and Pierre Verger. Interest in the collection has been palpable, attracting both individuals and institutions. The University of São Paulo and the Senate library are among the entities that have expressed interest in acquiring the books. However, the Teixeira family has made it clear that they wish for the works to remain in their homeland. "If they do not show interest in acquiring the works, we may consider the possibility of selling to institutions or companies outside of Bahia," Neto commented. The Historical and Geographical Institute of Bahia (IGHB) has been one of the most vocal advocates for the collection. In March of this year, the institution launched a "Public Appeal" to raise awareness among society and public authorities, warning about the risk that the collection could leave the state. The president of the IGHB, Joaci Góes, described Cid's collection as "a treasure that Bahia cannot afford to lose," urging community collaboration to preserve this heritage. A commission from the IGHB visited Cid Teixeira's apartment, and the general impression was clear: "It is inconceivable that our institutions, whether public or private, would allow one of the largest and most expressive collections about our rich and important past to leave Bahia," expressed Jorge Ramos, director of the Ruy Barbosa Library. These words reflect a shared sentiment among many Bahians who value the collection as an essential element of their cultural identity. Interest in Cid's collection is not new. In 2012, the Odebrecht Foundation proposed creating a library dedicated to the history of Bahia, which would bear the historian's name. However, Cid Teixeira, in an act of respect for his books and his legacy, decided not to accept the proposal. His attachment to the collection was such that he was reluctant to part with it, repeatedly stating that he needed time to reflect and listen to his heirs. The current situation poses an important dilemma: how to ensure that such a valuable heritage remains in Bahia and is accessible to future generations? The answer may lie in a joint effort from the community, cultural institutions, and public authorities to find a solution that honors Cid Teixeira's memory and his contribution to Bahian history. Time is running out, and the future of this collection is uncertain. The possibility that a fundamental part of Bahia's history may be sold outside its original context is a reality that worries many. At this critical moment, Bahian society must unite to preserve its history and ensure that Cid Teixeira's legacy does not fade away over time. The history of Bahia cannot be just an echo of the past; it must be a beacon guiding future generations.