The Azuero Peninsula is a region of the country with a long list of cultural expressions that dates back to the Spanish colony and further back in time. The Province of Los Santos is a sector where a number of events occurred that have helped shape Panama, before and after its separation from Colombia in 1903. An example of these events was the first Shout of independence by Rufina Alfaro at La Villa de los Santos.
However, just an hour’s drive from La Villa is Pedasi, a town with a cheerful, human character and people who have worked to make a difference for their people and the country. This is the case of Mireya Moscoso who was the first woman President of the Republic of Panama, an event that left a legacy of work, as well as the first historical museum of the small and tourist town of Pedasi.
Former Residence of the Moscoso Family
The Moscoso House Museum was the residence of the Moscoso Rodriguez family for many years, the place where the former president and her brothers were born. Located in front of the Pedasi town park, Doña Mireya decided to turn it into a museum after the death of her parents, Mr. Plinio Moscoso and Mrs. Elisa Moscoso Rodriguez, as well as her older siblings Sonia and Olmedo.
Preservation of a Family and Personal History
This museum was created with the objective of preserving and showing all Visitors the history and trajectory of the most influential family in Pedasí…the Moscoso. Also, as a historical reference for citizens around an important part of history and its influence nationally and internationally.
Its interior shows all Visitors photographs and documents related to the parents, brothers, uncles, cousins and other relatives of Doña Mireya Moscoso; as well as those where events are shown during his term as President of the Republic, both in activities inside and outside the country.
This museum also tells the story of a crucial part in the life of the former president in the stage of her life when she was married to the three times President of the Republic Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid, who was her husband for many years.
Legacy for Future Generations
The Moscoso Museum is open to the general public to learn first-hand about much of the history and contributions that the Moscoso family for the development of Pedasi over the years. Sometimes Doña Mireya herself is in the Museum to attend Visitors tell the stories behind each photo as well as anecdotes of her presidential mandate as well as the history of Pedasi.
Just as the Moscoso family turned their old residence into a Museum, it is expected that more influential families of this thriving town make similar contributions so that present and future generations of Pedasieños, as well as Visitors, know about the origins and evolution of this town that It has become a tourist destination of quality and natural beauty.
Contribution: Orlando Antipas Moscoso Falco
