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Built as a symbol of hope in one of the most challenging periods in Acre’s history, the building stands the test of time, but no longer with the same vigor as before. The building, considered the oldest still standing in the state, carries in its walls not only bricks and wood, but deep memories of generations that helped build the city’s identity.
Founded on September 7, 1922, and officially opened in 1923, the Institute was born with a noble mission: to welcome orphan girls from the rubber plantations in the Purus region. Under the care of the Servants of Maria Reparadoras, the place was much more than a shelter, it became one of the first pillars of formal education in the municipality. There, stories were shaped, dreams took shape and lives were transformed.
Over the decades, the space has established itself as a traditional school, a reference for many Senamadureirense families. For many, studying at Instituto Santa Juliana was a privilege, a personal and collective milestone that spans generations. Over the years, and after a partnership with the government, the school began to function as a state school, and the building was officially listed as a historical and cultural heritage site in Acre, further reinforcing its relevance to the collective memory.
However, what was once a symbol of welcome and learning is now silent, marked by abandonment. Since closing in 2014, the building has suffered from the effects of time and lack of care. The deterioration is visible: part of the roof has been torn off, structures are compromised and the space, once full of life, is now the target of vandalism. Each lost piece also represents the loss of a local chapter.
More than an old building, the Santa Juliana Institute is an emotional, cultural and historical heritage of Sena Madureira. Its preservation does not only concern the past, but also the future. Revitalizing the space means recognizing its importance, rescuing memories and reaffirming the commitment to the municipality’s identity.
The restoration of the building should not be seen as a cost, but as an investment in the city’s history and culture. Intervening in that space means keeping alive the essence of a time when education and reception were built with effort and dedication.
As abandonment progresses, the appeal of those who understand that the Santa Juliana Institute cannot be forgotten also grows. Preserving it is, above all, preserving the history of Sena Madureira itself.
