Vintter Regional Museum

It was the denizens of Roca themselves who contributed highly valuable information and elements so that the museum could proudly show the past that belongs to all of them and which they share with visitors.

Lorenzo Vintter Historical Regional Museum is an enriching space of memory that shows the passing of time and references of the thriving life of the City of General Roca. The museum was created in 1950 by a local educator: Manuel José Félix Arenaza, and the effort made by the local neighbors to compile the main historical events that shaped the local lifestyle. It was housed by several buildings until it ended up in its present venue. It contains a permanent show made up by countless objects owned by the first nations and from the days of the Desert Campaign. In addition, there are daily tools used by the first nations once the village began to develop. During our visit, we went around the various rooms that contain tapestries, arrow points and remains of the native cultures, as well as weapons and suits worn by soldiers of the Argentinian Army. We were amazed at the machinery used in the farms, old abandoned vehicles, countless must-read documents and photographs that clearly show the dirt roads, the outfits and the customs of the different historical periods. Likewise, private coin and stamp collections, old radio devices, farming equipment and other items donated by distinguished neighbors give evidence of the primitive life lived by the dwellers of this region in Argentina years ago. Nevertheless, all these events led to productive processes that fostered progress.

The names of the rooms speak for themselves: First Denizens, An Encounter of Two Worlds, General Roca’s Campaign, Ancient Roca and City Festival mark the various time periods and the sense of the joint efforts that rule this Patagonian city. The museum was named after General Lorenzo Vintter, a highly experienced military man who was the second and last governor of Patagonia, since 1882 to 1884. Educational, with an interesting way of showing its material, this cultural reserve made us understand many of the actions of the past of General Roca.