Instituto Histórico e Geográfico do Rio Grande do Norte and its appropriation by Cultural Tourism in the Metropolitan Region of Natal/RN

Abstract

The Instituto Histórico e Geográfico do Rio Grande do Norte (IHGRN), also called Casa da Memória Potiguar, is considered the oldest cultural entity of Rio Grande do Norte and houses a significant collection in its library, archive and museum. Considering the importance of this institution, the study has as main objective to analyze the participation and contribution that the Casa da Memória Potiguar has in the tourist activity and cultural identity of the metropolitan region of Natal/RN. Taking into consideration the nature of the object of investigation, a qualitative approach was defined. The work has as object of study the Instituto Histórico e Geográfico do Rio Grande do Norte and the research was exploratory, which consists of a bibliographic and documental analysis. According to the aspects analyzed, it is concluded that the IHGRN has a significant historical cultural heritage, and this site can be better developed as a tourism product, besides bringing to light the importance of preservation and conservation of this space and how to use it to rekindle the potiguar culture and history.