The September 2023 earthquake that struck near Marrakesh in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco was far enough away from Morocco’s Mediterranean coast that the Tangier Legation––America’s first foreign public property––was unaffected.
But the good news ends there. During the summer, a building next to the Legation was demolished, requiring additional structural shoring to ensure our only National Historic Landmark abroad maintains its sound footing. This work is critical to the continued operation of the Legation’s tenant since 1976, the Tangier American Legation Institute for Moroccan Studies (TALIM). Portions of TALIM’s research library were impacted and some contents had to be stored for safekeeping offsite. Though its library, museum and research center have been able to continue functioning, repair and restoration work is urgently needed.
The Legation site and museum remain a thriving draw for visitors from across the globe. Scholars from the region perform research there. Thousands of tourists visit the museum, an average of 3,000/month, and take in its sweeping views of the Strait of Gibraltor. Local residents from Tangier’s medina, or old town, attend workshops and classes there, especially women who depend on TALIM’s literacy and skills-building offerings.
A final building condition assessment and cost estimate is anticipated by the Spring which will help inform where donations toward restoration of the Legation will be most needed.
Header image: Cracks in TALIM’s research library at the Tangier American Legation. Summer 2023.
