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Who we are
| The Copan Association, located in Copan Ruinas, Honduras, is a non-profit organization
that was founded in 1990 to protect and conserve the cultural and natural patrimonies of Honduras. It is a Honduran
non-political institution non profit organization wholly devoted to scientific studies. |
The Copan Association
Casa YaxnaBarrio El Centro Avenida Los JaguaresCopan Ruinas,
HondurasCentral America ( 504) 651 4103
Fax (504) 651 4625Email
info@asociacioncopan.org
Contributions can be mailed to
Copan Association2227 NW 79th Avenue SP-349Doral, FloridaUnited States
626.768.2834 |
Board of Directors Jorge Bueso Arias, President Angel Castillo Galo, Vice-PresidentRicardo Agurcia F., Executive
DirectorMariela Guzman, TreasurerSandra Guerra, SecretaryFernando Fiallos F., FiscalVocales:Mario Galeano B., Cesar
Batres G., Marco Rietti, Jacqueline FasquelleVocales SuplentesVicente Williams, Ma. Antonieta Bogran, Carlos Gonzales,
Richard VinelliProjects
SCHOLARSHIPS:
The Copan Association has awarded scholarships to students from Copan Ruinas who completed their studies with honours.
Jorge Humberto Ramos completed his studies in archaeology at the Universidad del Valle in Guatemala City where
he obtained a grade point average of 90%. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue a Masters degree in
anthropology. He also received a grant from the Ford-McArthur-Hewlett Fund. He obtained his PhD. From the University
of California in Riverside. Aida Isabel Cardona Lemus completed her high school education at the Intstituto Dr.
Jesus Ordonez Ch. where she obtained a degree in Hostelry & Tourism. Her GPA was 96%. Miss Cardona has received
a scholarship from CASS (Cooperative Association of State Scholarships). She studied Quality Control at Broom Community
College in Binghamton, NY.
THE SCULPTURE MUSEUM OF COPAN.
The most important project in which the Copan Association participated was the Sculpture Museum of Copan. Copan
Association conceived the idea, directed the design and procured the financing for this museum which houses some
of the most important original sculptures which were relocated from the ancient ruins. In 1993 the president of
the Republic assigned the execution of the construction of the museum to the Copan Association. In compliance with
government policy, which contracts private organizations to administer activities of public service, transportation,
energy, postal work, and others, the Association completed the project and proceeded to present pertinent reports,
which were audited and closed at the end of the project.
The materialization of the Sculpture Museum in Copan was possible in great part because of continuous efforts and
scientific vocation of Mr. Ricardo Agurcia Fasquelle, Executive Director of the Copan Association.
REFORESTATION PROJECT
Copan Association assisted in a local initiative to grow and plant 30,000 trees in and around Copan Ruinas. Its
aim is to educated local school children regarding the importance of reforestation and enhance the natural surroundings.
Local school children, with the help of Cerveceria Hondurena, the Municipal Government and the Copan Association,
constructed a nursery and planted over 30,000 seeds of regional plants and trees. Many students planted seedlings
along the river to replace valuable vegetation lost in the floods caused by Hurricane Mitch. Similar reforestation
projects have been undertaken in other parts of the Country. The project has become an ongoing annual activity
in the schools and the community. Copan Association established the JAE nature fund in 1996 to support the conservation
of the environment.
COPAN ASSOCIATIONS GIFT AND SOUVENIR SHOP
Located at the entrance to the Visitor´s Center at the ancient Mayan Ruins of Copan the shop is stocked with
exclusive designs of t´shirts, totes, caps, visors and has a large selection of books on Mayan archaeology.
The guidebook for the ruins, ¨A History Carved in Stone¨ was re-released in 2007 and is completely rewritten
by the authors William Fash and Ricardo Agurcia Fasquelle. This guidebook is an exclusive item to the Copan Association
Shop but may also be found in many shops throughout the village. There is also a selection of local coffees, mugs
and other gifts. Virtually 100% of the proceeds received from any purchase of our exclusively designed products
goes to the preservation of the most important Mesoamerican Site in Central America. For more detailed information
please visit our Website at www.asociacioncopan.org or the website of our sister foundation www.copanmaya.org.
The Copan Maya Foundation which works in tandem with the Copan Association. Copan Maya Foundation was founded
in January, 2000 and has IRS designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Donations are fully tax-deductible. Tax exempt
identification TIN: 77-0525430.
CASA KÍNICH CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
The main objective of this project has been to educate our young visitors especially Honduran children about their
cultural and natural heritage of Copan and the delicate relationship between the two. This is being achieved through
the interactive learning center, or museum, known as Casa Kínich, where visitors are exposed to scientifically
documented exhibits about the Ancient Maya Civilization of Copan, its history, and relationship to the surrounding
environment. By raising awareness of all visitors to the Maya experience there is an understanding of the consequences
of environmental mismanagement. In addition the young visitors learn to be part of the solution to the extensive
destruction that is taking place again, today. The exhibits are designed to educate and challenge young minds.
Casa Kínich will re-open in its new location at the old Cuartel that overlooks the village of Copan Ruinas
in February, 2008. It will feature twice the space with twice as many interactive exhibits as well as a Gift Shop,
Snack Area, and play area for children. Entrance is free, for group reservations please call the Copan Association
Office at 651-4103.
RICARDO AGURCIA FASQUELLE
is the Executive Director of the Copan Association and is a native Honduran. Under his direction there has been
extensive fieldwork at the monumental Maya Site of Copan in Western Honduras, where he has served as Regional Coordinator
of Archaeological Projects for the Government of Honduras as well as Co-Director of the Copan Acropolis Archaeological
Project. From 1982 to 1986, he held the post of Director of the Honduran Institute of Anthropology and History
(IHAH), which is the governmental agency overseeing the cultural patrimony of Honduras. He has published two books,
Secrets of two Maya Cities: Copan and Tikal which he co- authored with Guatemalan archaeologists Juan Antonio
Valdes (out of print) and the just released Kingdom of the Sun written in Spanish and English with beautiful photography
by David Beyl from sites in and around modern day Copan.
It is available in the Gift Shops and Bookstores throughout Honduras and through the Copan Association´s
website http://www.asociacioncopan.org/Ricardo lectures worldwide and is also known for his articles in the October
1989 and September 1991 issues of National Geographic Magazine.
He holds degrees from Duke University (B.A.) and Tulane University (M.A.) and has taught at the National University
of Honduras (UNAH) as well as the University of San Pedro Sula (USPS). He serves on many Board of Directors dedicated
to educational, cultural and scientific endeavours. He has also had substantial curatorial experience with the
National Museum of Honduras, the Copan Sculpture Museum, the Copan Museum of Archaeology, the Museum for San Pedro
Sula, and most recently Casa Kínich. Ricardo also consults internationally about the management and preservation
of archaeological resources and is particularly well known for his views on site conservation and the rational
use of sites for tourism.
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