Access Philippine History Books for Free Through This Archive
We have the National Memory Project to thank.
(SPOT.ph) Have you ever needed to access a highly specialized Philippine history book that’s doesn't appear to exist on the Internet? We bring good news: The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has initiated an online archive that offers unprecedented access to a vast collection of Philippine historical materials called the National Memory Project.
The National Memory Project was launched as a response to calls for a more democratized approach to history. It contains a rich array of resources, including rare books, photos, and documents from the NHCP's extensive libraries, archives, and museum. You can even download some of the open access files!
The project is part of NHCP's ongoing commitment to develop an online platform that can house many high-resolution digitized materials on national history since 2020.
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How to access Philippine history books at National Memory Project
Simply head over to the National Memory Project website.
You’ll find a rich variety of topics when exploring the National Memory Project. It covers everything from the Philippine Revolution to women's history, as well as the Journal of Philippine Local History and Heritage, which is the NHCP’s biannual journal since 2014. It also features unique collections from other institutions, such as the National Library of the Philippines.
The website is fairly easy to navigate, too. There are four accessibility levels in its library: open access for free downloading of files, view-only access, snippet view, and restricted access for copyright-protected materials. Note that materials categorized as Levels 3 and 4 are not accessible to the public.
However, the NHCP ensures that even copyrighted works are available for on-site viewing or purchase at the NHCP Serafin D. Quiason Resource Center in Ermita, Manila for those who wish to access them.
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