Two thousand, three-hundred miles west of Chile lies a small Island called Easter (Rapanui). Despite its isolation in the eastern portion of the empty South Pacific Ocean, Easter Island contains one of the world's most spectacular collections of archaeological wonders, many of which have been studied by scientists from all over the world.
In 1989, the non-profit Easter Island Foundation was organized by a group of concerned scientists and interested persons to help preserve and promote the archaeological patrimony of the island, and awaken interest in and appreciation for the incomparable sites of Rapanui. Conserving and protecting the island's fragile heritage is one of our primary goals.
Another goal is to provide a central repository for the vast amounts of research that have been collected concerning the ancient society. This project is underway. The Foundation provides books and scholarships for Rapanui students to continue their education abroad, and publishes a series of Occasional Papers concerning the archaeological heritage of the island, as well as a quarterly publication the Rapanui Journal, a unique source of information on Easter island and East Polynesia. The books and the Journal are aimed towards promoting awareness of the fragile nature of the Easter Island sites. It is our hope that our efforts toward conservation may help to preserve the thousands of unique archaeological sites that are to be found on the island.
Named for the late anthropologist William Mulloy, the library is currently located at the Fonck Museum in Vina del Mar, Chile, under the direction of a dedicated Rapanui librarian, Ana Betty Haoa. Mulloy's own collection of books, journals, and photographs forms its nucleus. A permanent library on the island will be established in the future.
Easter Island is unique in the world. Even today it contains many unsolved mysteries and much work remains to be done!
An increase in tourism and various plans for development threaten the existence of many priceless sites.
Please help us to preserve this special Island in the Center of the World.
Maururu.
( Thank you. )
