Cuba Remembers Eusebio Leal on Anniversary of His Birth

Cuban authorities today remembered historian Eusebio Leal Spengler on the 83rd anniversary of his birth.

“We recall the unforgettable Eusebio Leal. His work as Historian of the City of Havana and as an exemplary parliamentarian is an invaluable legacy of love, defense, and commitment to History and national identity,” stated Esteban Lazo Hernández, president of the National Assembly of People's Power, on his social media account X.

A Fervent Defender of Heritage

Manuel Marrero Cruz, Prime Minister of Cuba, also weighed in, describing Leal as “a fervent defender of historical and cultural heritage, of all that is beautiful, authentic, and Cuban.”

“May his will to preserve, not just buildings but values, continue to guide us,” the Cuban premier added on X.

A Lifetime of Restoration

Born in the capital on September 11, 1942, he began working in 1959 at the age of 16 in the Metropolitan Administration of Havana.

He held a Doctorate in Historical Sciences and Master's degrees in Archaeological Sciences and in Studies on Latin America and the Caribbean. He served as Director of the Program for the Restoration of the Heritage of Humanity.

Leal was director of the City Museum and the Office of the City Historian. He undertook major projects such as the restoration of the Palace of the Captains General, the former Government House and current home of the Museum of the City of Havana, which was completed in 1979.

In 1981, he was entrusted with leading the restoration works of Old Havana, which included the San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress and, later, the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro.

A Lasting Legacy

In accordance with the UNESCO declaration, the perimeter of the old city walls and the System of Fortifications for the city's defense was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1982 as site number 27.

Since 2010, the Office of the City Historian of Havana was in charge of the restoration of the majestic National Capitol of Cuba.

On October 12, 2019, he was recognized as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.