Cultural Property

The Cultural Affairs Office of the United States Embassy in Guatemala is actively involved in helping Guatemala preserve its cultural patrimony and heritage. The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 1997, which was extended in 2002. The Memorandum of Understanding pledges U.S. Customs assistance in intercepting the illegal importation of artifacts into the United States and requests Government of Guatemala facilitation of legitimate loan requests from U.S. Museums. To date, the U.S. has returned numerous pieces to Guatemala and Guatemala has loaned objects to U.S. museums, as agreed in the MOU.

Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation

The Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) was established in 2001 to help countries preserve cultural heritage. Congress noted, "...cultural preservation offers an opportunity to show a different American face to other countries, one that is non-commercial, non-political, and non-military. By taking a leading role in efforts to preserve cultural heritage, we show our respect for other cultures." The AFCP permits U.S. ambassadors in certain countries to submit proposals for one-time or recurring projects that assist in preserving their cultural heritage. Grants typically range from US$10,000 to US$30,000. The Cultural Affairs Office is responsible for the management of the Ambassador's Fund in Guatemala.

Recent projects funded by the AFCP in Guatemala:

• National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (MUNAE)

United States and Guatemala Extend Agreement to Protect Archaeological Heritage of Guatemala.  Effective September 29, 2007, this extension represents a continuation of cooperation that began in 1991 when emergency U.S. import restrictions were implemented to stem the problem of pillage of Guatemala's rich Maya heritage and the illicit trafficking in such material. The extension is consistent with a recommendation made by the Cultural Property Advisory Committee to the Department.

• Statement - U.S. Department of State

U.S. Departament of Interior and Government of Guatemala Sign MOU to Protect Major Maya Archaeological Sites at El Mirador (PDF 67KB).  This document launches a ten-year partnership for the conservation of significant natural and cultural resources in Guatemala.

Text - Memorandum of Understanding (PDF 21.8KB)