National archive show launched in New Taipei

2014-11-27

An exhibition of national archives kicked off Nov. 25 in New Taipei City as part of government efforts raising public awareness of the ROC’s storied past.

“Archives serve as key indicators of a country’s history,” National Development Council Minister Kuan Chung-ming said at the launch ceremony. “Such an event aims to enhance understanding of government operations and landmark developments.”

The exhibition showcases 70 sets of archived material spanning seven themes such as economic miracles, public infrastructure and social trends. It also includes banknotes, maps, photos and stamps, some dating back to the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911).

One highlight is a copy of the ROC Constitution implemented in 1923, as well as a draft and formal version of the document stipulated Nov. 23 and Dec. 25, 1946, respectively. “These exhibits take visitors down memory lane and shed light on the drafting of one of the nation’s legal cornerstones,” Kuan said.

Equally significant is a collection of documents from the early days of armed conflict between ROC and mainland Chinese communist forces. They include propaganda posters and a formerly classified strategic map of outlying Kinmen County used during the 56-hour Guningtou Battle of 1949.

The exhibition, which also features traditional toys, a multimedia video section and an online exhibition, wraps up May 29, 2015, in New Taipei. It will reopen July 1 for six months at Taiwan Historica in Nantou County.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=224483&CtNode=413)