It was founded on 15th April 1791 by Marquis Stefano Rivarola together with a number of distinguished citizens, under the patronage of the Società Patria which had originated in Genoa six years previously.

This group of men immediately became concerned with the agricultural, industrial, commercial and artistic progress of the district of Chiavari.

The aims are declared in its motto: rei agrariae, commerciis et opificiis promovendis: by which they resolved to increment the different aspects of the combined life of a town and which contribute to increase the quality of a civil cohabitation.

The Società Economica firmly believed that by means of a thorough examination of the surrounding reality the creative industriousness could be supported, providing a cultural base, sustaining commerce and making Chiavari production more widespread.

Equally important was Chiavari’s scientific and technological research, as well as its past culture.

Below are listed some acts of assistance, which are still carried out in accordance with the respective societies.

1793 - The Società Economica organizes an industrial Exhibition, which can be classified among the earliest in Europe and which will eventually become the “Tigullio Exhibition”.

1796 - The members, who consider themselves Filomati give rise to a Library which now contains over 80000 volumes.

In the same year the Società Economica brings public illumination to the main street of Chiavari starting with 12 oil lamps which then increase to 52. (this event precedes street illumination in Genoa).

1819 - It takes on the task of training young people for different jobs, by opening the Work and Charity Institute, the first technical school for girls, and in 1820 the School of Architecture and Ornamentation, which was later joined to the Technical Geometry Institute.

1850 - It encourages the opening of Infant Schools, and in 1851 it establishes the Mutual Aid Society.

1853 - It creates a School of Chemistry aimed at industrial application, and the following year the Società Economica supports the opening of the “Cassa di Risparmio” Bank.

1896 - It promotes the creation of a Home for the Needy.

1897 - It opens a Livestock Show, and in 1905 it promotes the Transitary Professorship of Agriculture.

1923 - It creates the Technical College and in 1928 the Professional School “G. Mazzini”.

Due to “ad hoc” legacies it founds the Bancalari Charitable Institution in 1883,  which is then linked to the similar Artigianelli Institution, The Magnasco Elementary School  in 1919, the Nursery Institute in 1923, the “Fortunato Solari” Elementary School, in Chiavari, in 1927.

In 1823 Ennio Quirino Visconti designs the medal, which is still awarded for various merits. On it he has potrayed Ceres, Mercury and Vulcan, the symbols of Agriculture, Commerce and Crafts, together with the inscription: Vitam excoluere per artes, and on the other side, .Societas Clavarensis rei agrariae commerciis ed opificiis promovendis.

Since 2nd August 1935, the Società Economica has been acknowledged as being a “Non-Profit-Making Body” (Royal Decree no. 1670).

In 1991 the Società Economica of Chiavari on the bicentenary of its foundation, had the honour of entertaining the Head of State the Hon. Francesco Cossiga at the festive celebrations.

The Società Economica still continues in its activities, particularly those regarding modern sectors of communication, territorial, cultural and services (museums, paintings, library, meeting and conference halls); as well as giving and promoting awards, to encourage a more professional preparation by also inviting the collaboration of various institutions.

Library 0185-363.275 - Email: info@societaeconomica.com

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