We didn't intend to create a web-site. It all began innocently in 2001, as a passing interest in the regional history of Magallanes. Since then the brainchild has established its own identity, and grown vigorously. From a small bundle of photocopies we have progressed to 3 thematic web-sites, and many binders of paper documentation.

In parallel with the collection and diffusion of historical material, our own interests have evolved. We have seen how the inhabitants of Southern Patagonia live clustered in a few communities, geographically remote from one another, and administered by separate local and national governments. There is much common cultural heritage that should be shared, and the means are available to do so systematically.

We have learned first-hand the value of internet-based communications, especially when primary source materials are hard-to-find, and the community of potential readers is globally dispersed. These experiences have led us to the concept of a Virtual Library, transcending local and national boundaries, assisting readers of all ages to understand the Patagonian reality; and, for those fortunate ones living in the region, to strengthen their own identity.

The patlibros.org web-site is designed to support that vision: the choice of content naturally reflects our own interests as well as the availability of original materials; it is also intended to suggest fresh sources and different styles of presentation. We hope that our colleagues will find some interest here, and feel encouraged to contribute in their own way, be it with a personal web-site, or via an established one. Please write to us and share your ideas.

A glance at the list of "related resources" (below) shows how sparsely this field has been developed. More web-publications are needed, and of all kinds. It is this mutual reinforcement which will ultimately help to increase public interest and create the desired impact.

This section is designed to give wider visibility to other web-based work dealing with Patagonian history. We welcome suggestions for inclusion.

Without the help of the many people mentioned on the individual web-pages, our project would not have been possible. Many of them we have never met, communicating only via the magic of e-mail. We wish to thank them all publicly for their cooperation. Special mention goes to:

• Carlos González and the late Tom Fisher, who set the ball rolling
• Ricardo Drault and Neil Hampshire, whose online databases showed how much could be done, and helped us define the scope of our own work
• Patricia Legües, who reminded us that a picture is worth a thousand words; and Robert Runyard, whose photos and collected images do so much to enliven the text
• Mateo Martinic, for personally encouraging our endeavours; his numerous publications have been a mine of information
• Margaret Gould, Rae Gregory and Ann Munro, for demonstrating the strength of Patagonian family roots; the late Jennie Saunders, whose memories of bygone times provided a living link to the past; and Antonio Dougnac, for his cheerful accounts of family life in another corner of Patagonia
• Juan and Sergio Mac-Lean, Patricio Pavlovic and Héctor Ovando, for their commitment to conservation
• Jeremy Howat, for his contributions and constructive suggestions; and Denis Chevallay, for sharing his research findings and materials
• Ramón Arriagada, staunch advocate of local identity, for his encouragement and enthusiasm
• Marco Álvarez, the late René Bahamonde, Carlos Vega Delgado, Dick Hanscom and Michael Saunders, for allowing us to use their materials
• Arnold Morrison, for unstinting support and generosity
• Chris and Mabel Kennard, for their hospitality and interest
• José Retamales, for believing in our ideas.

• 1899-1905  Shetland life  (28)
• 1899-1900  Colombia: mountain, river and coast  (51)
• 1901           Glasgow International Exhibition (14)
• 1901-1904  Antarctic Expeditions  (6)