According to figures, the monitor “Huáscar” received about 1,262 people, who came to this museum in situ to verify the naval history of the Navy. On the other hand, hundreds of tourists knew part of the life of Arturo Prat in the house where he was born.
The Commander in Chief of the Second Naval Zone joined the Heritage Day by opening for free the Historical Relic (RH) “Huáscar” museums, in Talcahuano and the Cuna de Prat Sanctuary, in the commune of Ninhue, last Sunday, May 28.
These two symbolic places were visited by a large influx of public, who from various parts of the country came to tour these sanctuaries where the life and legacy of Commander Arturo Prat is guarded; as well, naval history and its heroes.
Mrs. Patricia Moncada, who along with her daughter, granddaughter and son-in-law, traveled from Chillán to Talcahuano to know this legendary ship of the War of the Pacific, anchored in the bay of Concepción. With emphasis he pointed out, that at 65 years of life for the first time he visits this museum: “We brought my granddaughter to live the experience that I did not live as a child. I am very impressed, everything catches my attention. Crossing by raft to reach this beautiful place was an adventure,” she said excitedly.
The Commander of the RH “Huáscar”, Commander Julio Carvajal, who together with the crew of the ship received the visitors and accompanied them on their journey, explained on the tour the elements that are exhibited on the decks and in the museological collection.
“This is a very good opportunity for part of the citizens, not only of Talcahuano, but of various cities of the country, to get on board to know the naval tradition. We have accompanied the visitors to show and tell the story that is kept in these covers and share with them, “said Commander Carvajal.
The museum “Huáscar” is a permanent attraction for visitors because, in the words of Commander Carvajal, “the tour is very interesting, entertaining and people are struck by the fact that such an old museum is so beautiful, has a good maintenance and each of the passages of history that are related makes them learn more and more and that is why they return to make the visit.”
The Cradle of Prat in the Hacienda San Agustín de Puñual, located in the valleys of the commune of Ninhue, at the foot of Cerro Coiquén, was also one of the historical cultural attractions that received visitors.
In this museum, adults and children managed to verify part of the life of Arturo Prat from birth until he emigrated to Santiago. Here are preserved objects of the time and an important amount of articles of the Prat Chacón family.
Both places, one where the naval hero was born and the other where he died heroically after boarding, are poles that attract the arrival of tourists to the fields of Ninhue and the port of Talcahuano to make family trips periodically throughout the year.