In 2024, one of the longest-running Brazilian scientific journals still in circulation, born in the Amazon, turns 130: the Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. This milestone celebrates not only the longevity of a publication, but also the persistence and relevance of a vehicle that shapes and disseminates fundamental knowledge about one of the most biodiverse and culturally rich regions on the planet.
 

The Bulletin was founded in 1894 under the name "Boletim do Museu Paraense de História Natural e Etnografia" (Bulletin of the Para Museum of Natural History and Ethnography). From the outset, under the leadership of director Emílio Goeldi, it established itself as a reference in the dissemination of scientific knowledge. The aim was clear: to promote an exchange of experiences and knowledge between researchers exploring the vast and little-known Amazon region and the rest of the world.

Throughout its history, the Bulletin has undergone several transformations, reflecting the changes and advances in science and society. Initially, the publication was divided into administrative and scientific parts, but over time it adapted to a more specialized and thematic format, including series such as Anthropology, Zoology, Botany and Geology. These changes were essential to keep the Bulletin up to date with academic and scientific dissemination requirements.

The Bulletin's impact on science is undeniable. During its first years, between 1894 and 1914, under the management of Emílio Goeldi and Jacques Huber, the publication gained international prominence, disseminating valuable information on the biodiversity and ethnography of the Amazon. Despite periods of interruption, especially between 1933 and 1956, the publication made a strong comeback, adapting to new realities and continuing to be a reference source for researchers from all over the world.

From 1957 onwards, the Bulletin entered a new phase of reorganization and expansion. Single publications were introduced and new thematic series created, which significantly broadened the scope and depth of the research published.

In the most recent phase, which began in 2005, the Bulletin began circulating in two series: Human Sciences and Natural Sciences. Since 2016, the publication has been further modernized, adopting an exclusively digital format that facilitates global access to its editions. With a geographical and institutional diversification of authors, the Bulletin is now indexed in important scientific databases, consolidating its presence and relevance on the international academic scene.
 

With 130 years of history, the Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi is not just a record of scientific discoveries, but a testimony to the evolution of knowledge and the resilience of an institution committed to scientific dissemination. Its trajectory is intertwined with the history of the Goeldi Museum itself and with advances in science in the Amazon, reflecting the political, social and scientific transformations that marked the 20th century and continue to influence the 21st century.

Today, in an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Bulletin remains a vital link between science and society, standing out as a symbol of persistence and innovation. Here's to another 130 years of discoveries and invaluable contributions to the knowledge of the Amazon and the world.

Rodrigo Paiva - Librarian, PhD student in Communication Sciences and Head of the Library Service at the Emílio Goeldi Museum of Pará