Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall welcomed 180,000 visitors since re—opening

SINGAPORE: 180,000 visitors have entered the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall since its refurbishment and re—opening in October 2011.

The museum celebrates its 111th anniversary this year by intensifying outreach efforts with more programmes.

It is also asking people with historical artefacts to contribute to the attraction’s exhibits.

As far as museums go, the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall may not be Singapore’s most well—known but it is certainly one of the most storied.

This place has seen the country through some of its most troubled times.

Some of the historical artefacts on show came from the family of Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Mr Teo said: "This is a community heritage institution managed by the National Heritage Board and the Memorial Hall serves as a useful reminder for the community to learn about our social and cultural history and heritage, and to provide Singaporeans with an understanding of our multicultural roots."

The museum hopes more people can make contributions to help showcase Singapore’s links to the revolution that ended China’s last imperial dynasty, said Shaun Phua, General Manager of the Memorial Hall.

"We know that there are many rare materials pertaining to the 1911 Revolution that are kept in private hands of many Singaporeans. If they have these items, perhaps they can consider donating it to the museum for long—term preservation and of course, to extend these materials to, make it accessible for the members of the public," said Mr Phua.

With the addition of special roving exhibitions and seminars on the Chinese Revolution, the museum hopes to extend its reach beyond the 90,000 visitors seen in 2012.

It has trained over 150 students since 2011 as heritage ambassadors.

The 111th anniversary celebrations of the national monument will span all the way till December 2013.

— CNA/fa