"Salve estação”: ações de restauro, preservação e educação patrimonial em São João do Rio do Peixe – PB (2016.2025).

Abstract

This study focuses on the city of São João do Rio do Peixe-PB and its historical and cultural heritage, with the Railway Station, completed in 1925, as its central object. Located in the highlands of Paraíba, the city experienced significant transformations at the beginning of the 20th century with the arrival of the train in 1922, which boosted commerce, redefined urban spaces, and inaugurated a new cycle of development. The research is based on the observation that, despite the historical and symbolic relevance of this asset, its preservation did not receive adequate attention after the decline of the railways, resulting in processes of degradation and abandonment. In this context, civil society assumed a leading role in safeguarding this heritage. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze how the Save the Station campaign, organized by civil society, contributed to the development of public policies aimed at the protection, awareness, and preservation of historical and cultural heritage, particularly regarding the Railway Station of São João do Rio do Peixe-PB. Methodologically, a qualitative approach was adopted, based on bibliographic and documentary analysis as well as field research, including visits to the historic center and consultations with municipal departments. It is noteworthy that the temporal scope of this research covers the period from 2016 to 2025, from the beginning of the campaign to the present. This study is situated within the field of Cultural History, with its theoretical framework anchored in concepts related to historical heritage Choay (2001), memory Le Goff (1990), lieux de mémoire Nora (1993), and Heritage Education Horta (1999). It is concluded that this study contributes to reflections on the importance of society’s role in defending its memory, considering the limits and possibilities of public policies for heritage preservation, and reaffirms the potential of Heritage Education as a tool for popular awareness.