The restoration of the historic Escárzaga Palace in Durango has been completed with financial support from the U.S. Department of State's Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The project, which received an investment of $230,000, was celebrated in a ceremony attended by U.S. Consul General in Monterrey, Melissa Bishop, and Silvio González, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.
Consul General Bishop expressed pride in the project's completion, stating: “We are deeply proud to see this project completed, as it reflects our commitment to preserving cultural heritage and the historical and human connections between our nations.” She also congratulated the municipal government of Durango on their achievement.
The Escárzaga Palace project was one of 34 selected globally from 149 proposals and is notable for being the only one chosen in Mexico. The restoration aims to preserve a significant building along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro route—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—while boosting local economic development through involvement with Mexican specialists and artisans.
This initiative highlights a shared cultural legacy between Mexico and the United States. The Camino Real de Tierra Adentro served as a major trade route during colonial times, linking Mexico City with Santa Fe, New Mexico. It played a crucial role in cultural exchanges that shaped both regions' identities.
The successful restoration underscores potential future collaborations between the two countries aimed at fostering cultural tourism and economic growth. The U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey emphasizes its dedication to using cultural diplomacy as a means of promoting mutual understanding.
Since its inception in 2001, AFCP has supported over 1,240 projects across 130 countries. In Mexico alone, nearly $2 million has been allocated to various initiatives including those focused on Palenque's archaeological sites and Baja California's Kumiai culture.
Event images can be found on Instagram @USConsulateMTY and Facebook @USConsulateMonterrey.