The Tianjin Museum of Modern History was established in September 2002 by the Tianjin writer, Mrs. Hang Ying. It is managed by a non-governmental organization, the Historical and Cultural Preservation Association.
The museum is divided into several sections, including the Exhibition Department, the Cultural Travel Research Development Center, the Historical Culture Research Center, and the Publishing Department. The museum’s primary focus is researching the cultural artifacts from the concession period, as well as publishing books related to this time, with a concentration on the developing process of friendship between the people of Tianjin and the rest of the world. In retrospect, we believe that the peaceful coexistence and commercial cooperation of that period far outweigh the hostility and estrangement that is typically assigned to those troubled times. Our goal is to celebrate the positive aspects and relationships of that time.
Tianjin represents that time of peaceful coexistence. The uniqueness of Tianjin in the 1920s’ is reflected in the various styles of architecture, which can still be abundantly found throughout the city. This outstanding cultural heritage belongs to everyone, both east and west, and the sharing of this legacy is again a catalyst for enhancing friendship and peace among all the peoples of the world.
The museum holds more than 1,000 historical pictures and a great deal of historical data, recording the history of Sino-foreign relationship for more than 400 years, from the middle of 16th century to the middle of 20th century. These pictures represent 15 countries, including United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Austria, Belgium, Holland, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Israel, and India. There are also approximately 400 contemporary photographs.
Recently the museum has added a considerable amount of historical materials from Europe. Most of these recent acquisitions are the only copies present in China. These collections of private photo albums show the personalized nature of the museum. Most providers of photographs are either foreigners who once resided in Tianjin or their relatives, who have graciously donated them. Among these pictures and data, many are appearing in China for the very first time. For example, the data and photos include:
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The archives data of the American Consulate in Tianjin from 1861 to 1906 A picture about the city life drawn by a German artist sitting on the wall of the eastern city in 1864 The meeting between Li Hongzhang and Otto von Bismarck, the German Chancellor, in 1896 Eric Liddell, the British track and field champion of the Paris Olympic Games in 1924 The return of the German to Tianjin during the Japanese occupation of China. The Nazi flag which flew atop Gordon Hall The dedication ceremony of the Jewish synagogue Aerial shots of Tianjin taken by the foreign pilot A series of the maps of the previous concessions |
Due to its uniqueness, the museum has aroused much interest from both domestic and foreign visitors during the process of preparation. So far it has received over 500 foreign visitors from more than 10 countries.
The museum is located in the Wu Da Dao section of Tianjin, previously the center of the British Concession. The museum is a non-profit organization, which is funded by Ms. Hang Ying.
Much time, effort and care has gone into the development of the museum. Ms. Hang Ying’s hope is that there will be more involvement by the international community in the development and sustenance of the museum.
