The scientific research carried out by the island museums of La Gomera is defined by the island’s geography and, above all, by its history. Another important factor is the tradition of research in La Gomera and in the Canary Islands, as well as the priorities and specific characteristics of each centre.

Since the Museums of La Gomera began their activity, an attempt has been made to incorporate into their research the subjects and methods corresponding to the three centres managed by the Cabildo of La Gomera: the ethnographic museum, the archaeological museum and the general archives. In this respect, it is of vital importance for our museums to establish networks with other research centres of greater capacity, such as the Canarian universities; as well as with companies and freelance professionals who are also part of the network. No less important is the potential participation of local residents in research projects.

Both museums have areas of interest related to past cultures, such as the island’s prehistory: the exploitation of the coast, the world of death, the culture of the mountains, etc. And in more recent times, more oriented to the so-called traditional world: architecture, weaving, pottery, traditional shepherding, etc. It should be noted in this respect that studies of artefacts treasured in museum storage rooms are another central feature of the research work.

In the case of the MAG, a unique feature of its work is the collaboration with the Historical Heritage Unit, which multiplies the potential for research and broadens the framework for work on an island scale (the inventories are thus linked to the research approach).

The MAG’s research approach is marked by the contribution of the researcher Juan Francisco Navarro Mederos; in which “territory” is a key concept. The ethnographic studies, based on the spoken word, have multiplied on the island in the last twenty years. The recovery of memories is the main line of work of the MEG.