Sezione di Archivio di Stato di Urbino

The Urbino State Archives Section, on the occasion of "Paper Sunday," the annual event promoted by the Ministry of Culture to enhance the national bibliographic and documentary heritage, is offering a special opening with the exhibition "...And if you don't have a family? Reception and education in the documents of the Urbino Orphanage," curated by Sara Cambrini and Angela Angeli, with the collaboration of the Urbino Section staff: Francesco Duranti and Nada Guerra.

The title ties in with the national theme "Family Archives" identified by the Ministry of Culture, offering an original interpretation of the theme, with the aim of raising awareness among the public of the history and activities of one of the welfare institutions that was once among the most important for both the city of Urbino and the surrounding area: the Pian di Mercato Fraternity, later Orphanage.

On Sunday, October 12th, at the Urbino Section, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, the documents accompanying newborns upon their arrival will be on display, often accompanied by the evocative "half-medals" that allowed parents to recognize them. These documents include admission and nursing records, tutors' reports on the character and aptitude of the young guests, used to initiate them into their educational journey, and some personal files of the exhibited children, which offer a unique and touching glimpse into childhood and society in Urbino between the 19th and 20th centuries.