A riding crop, a manto de huaso (a piece of clothing similar to a poncho), a copper tray, and a pair of spurs -which are typical Chilean objects – are to be exhibited throughout the month due to “Farmer’s Day”, celebrated on July 28th, the exact same day when the Land Reform Law was published.

These objects, originally found in the dressing room and in the study on the second floor, are a sign of gratitude from farmers’ organizations for the Land Reform carried out during Eduardo Frei Montalva’s administration (1964-1970), which were preserved with care by him and his family.

The Land Reform Law, published on July 28th, 1967, is historically recognized as one of the greatest milestones in recent Chilean history, where the situation and the dignification of Chilean families, in the rural sections of the country, were improved. To Eduardo Frei Montalva, the rural human and economical wealth had to become the driving force for Chile’s development.

Although it met and still meets with opposition, the Land Reform is remembered by many as one of the landmarks of the Eduardo Frei Montalva’s administration as it tranformed the rural social and economical structure, which was ruled until the middle of the XX century by an unequitable colonial system.

A pair of spurs, typical Chilean.

Under this state of affairs, The Land Reform Act led to a significant turn of events in that it improved the marginal conditions of the Chilean countryside and the low productivity of the land. It sought the incorporation of rural Chileans into the land they farmed and into the decisions over the land production, and their integration into the social, cultural, civic and political life of the country. “ (…) I am able to sign the law, but it is you who will be put to the test. It is you who will build the roads, as you are doing so; it is you who will build the storehouses and sheds, and who will furrow the ground, not me or the ministers. It is you who will carry out the Land Reform”, Eduardo Frei Montalva claimed decisively as he proclaimed the Land Reform Law on July 16th, 1967.

We invite you to appreciate these objects, which give account for a substantial change in the social, political and cultural structure of our country, and also for the gratitude of rural Chileans of that epoch, towards a president who changed the perception of society.

Visitation is from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Hindenburg Street 683, Providencia.

For more information, please contact us at: (02) 881 86 74or email us at: contacto@casamuseoeduardofrei.cl