14ymedio, Havana, 25 December 2016 – Cuban Faces of 2016: With a doctorate in Historical Sciences and a specialty in Archaeological Sciences, in 1967 Eusebio Leal Spengler was appointed Director of the Museum of the City of Havana. He is considered to be the main promoter of the restoration of Old Havana and has a figure very closely tied to officialdom, and especially to the former President Fidel Castro.
For decades the historian controlled the restoration works of the Cuban capital’s historical center, an area that has experienced a sustained growth in tourism. In August of this year, Habaguanex and other companies under his management were transferred to the Business Administration Group to the Revolutionary Armed Forces.
In October Leal Spengler received the title of doctor honoris causa of the University of Havana. For years the historian has had diabetes and in February underwent a surgical operation to extract stones from his gallbladder. In the last months his health has deteriorated and while the tributes to his professional work have increased.
