Presentation of the Fondazione Archivio Storico Liber Aureus and the LIBER AUREUS - Golden Book of Noble and Notable Families Project in Boston

On Saturday, September 28, at 7:00 PM, the historic Omni Parker House in Boston will host the highly anticipated presentation of the Fondazione Archivio Storico Liber Aureus and its groundbreaking project, the LIBER AUREUS – Libro d’Oro delle Famiglie Nobili e Notabili 1784. This “book”/digital archive is set to revolutionize the way Italian noble genealogies are preserved, enabling families to maintain and update their historical records in a secure, globally accessible digital format.

The Fondazione Archivio Storico Liber Aureus, founded in 2020, is dedicated to the preservation and digitalization of noble Italian genealogies and coats of arms. The Foundation’s mission is to ensure that these historical records are safeguarded for future generations. The LIBER AUREUS - Libro d’Oro delle Famiglie Nobili e Notabili 1784 project provides a unique opportunity to preserve these genealogies, allowing for the addition of historical documents, photos, and sources in both Italian and English. This new platform will be an essential resource for historians, genealogists, and noble families alike.

Professor Carlo Federico Valentini, the President of the Foundation and a highly respected medieval historian, will deliver the keynote address. He will present the LIBER AUREUS - Libro d’Oro delle Famiglie Nobili e Notabili 1784 and discuss how digitalization represents a vital step forward in the preservation of noble family histories. Valentini holds a degree in Classical Literature from Sapienza University of Rome, a Master’s in Medieval Studies from the University of Cambridge, and has had a distinguished academic career at the Sorbonne and Oxford.

Regarding the benefits of digitalization, Professor Valentini has emphasized that "while physical books are precious, they are often limited in accessibility and can deteriorate over time. With digital archives, we ensure that these valuable records are not only preserved but are available globally, making them much more accessible to future generations." He also pointed out that digital archives can be updated continuously, allowing families to add new information or documents as their histories evolve.

However, Valentini acknowledged some of the limitations of physical books: "A traditional book is a fixed object—it cannot be expanded or corrected easily. Once published, it’s static. Digital archives, on the other hand, offer flexibility and can grow with time, reflecting the changing dynamics of families and their histories."

Speakers and Topics:

• Prof. Anna Hopkins – University of Rhode Island (retired)

Topic: “Digitalization: New Frontiers for Preserving Noble History”

Prof. Hopkins will discuss how digitalization makes genealogies more accessible and easier to consult, emphasizing the advantages over traditional physical volumes.

• Dr. Anthony Mirabile – Expert in Digital Archiving

Topic: “The Pros and Cons: Digital vs. Physical Archives in Historical Preservation”

Dr. Moretti will analyze the key differences between physical and digital archiving, explaining why transitioning to digital is essential for ensuring efficient and secure preservation of historical information.

• Dr. James O'Connor – Consultant for the Boston Genealogy Project

Topic: “Families in the Digital Age: How to Use the LIBER AUREUS - Libro d’Oro delle Famiglie Nobili e Notabili 1784”

O'Connor will offer a hands-on guide for families on how to use the LIBER AUREUS platform to update and manage their genealogies, including the uploading of family documents and photos.

• Dawn Renehan – Consultant in Technological Innovation and Digital Culture

Topic: “The Digital Archive: A Tool for the Future”

Marini will discuss the technological framework behind the LIBER AUREUS - Libro d’Oro delle Famiglie Nobili e Notabili 1784, focusing on how digital archives provide greater accessibility, security, and preservation potential than traditional paper archives.

Event Details and Participation:

• Date: Saturday, September 28
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: Omni Parker House, Boston
• Participation Fee: $140
• Event Sold Out – No Tickets Available

The event is fully booked, highlighting the growing interest in the digitalization of noble genealogies. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts and network during the evening, which will also feature refreshments.