Summary
Highlights
History is an ancient Greek term for learning through inquiry, defined as the study of past events. The American Historical Association calls it a never-ending process of understanding the past. Merriam-Webster describes history as a chronological record of significant events, often including explanations of causes. History is not just narratives but employs a system to organize them, involving research and inquiry into past human actions.
It's important to differentiate that history is not the past itself, but rather a glimpse of it. Not everything from the past was recorded, meaning history is a recreation of past events based on available materials rather than a complete narration.
History is valuable because it teaches people about past actions and defines what humanity is. It allows current generations to learn from the successes and failures of previous ones. Peter's terms enumerate that history contributes to moral understanding, helps understand people and societies, provides identity, and is essential for good citizenship.
Key Philippine depositories include the National Library of the Philippines, which houses the Filipiniana Division and Microfilm Section, containing historical data papers and revolutionary records. The Archives of the University of Santo Tomas and the National Archives of the Philippines hold rich Spanish-era collections. Ecclesiastical records are found in the Archdiocese and Archives of Manila, and the Manila Observatory Archives contain weather data. Other significant collections are found at UP Main Library, Ateneo de Manila University's Rizal Library, the U.S. Embassy historical collection, De La Salle University Libraries, SIL Philippines (for ethnic groups and languages), and the archives of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Local historical networks also offer valuable resources.
Spanish depositories with extensive collections on Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines include the Archivo General de Indias in Seville, Archivo Histórico Nacional in Madrid, Museo Naval de la Ministerio de Marina in Madrid, Real Academia de la Historia in Madrid, Biblioteca Nacional de España in Madrid, and Archivo de Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores in Madrid. The Portal de Archivos Españoles (PARES) offers free online access to digitized documents from Spanish archives.
Due to the Philippines being part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, the Archivo General de la Nación de Mexico holds numerous sources. The British Museum contains historical documents related to the brief British occupation of Manila, notably researched by Jose Rizal. Major American depositories include the National Archives and Records Service, the Library of Congress, the Ayer Collection of the Newberry Library, the Lilly Library, and university libraries at Harvard, Stanford, and Michigan, along with archive.org.