The Singapore History Museum showcases some of the most valuable displays concerning Singapore's history. From Sang Nila Utama to Sir Stamford
Raffles, it displays information on our common roots, educating the
people on how Singapore was formed and showing us how being united
regardless of race and religion can solve any problems that our small
city-state encounters. It has very important information on our
history as a nation, thereby uniting Singaporeans and educating them, from the time when the museum was set up, which was when Singapore had been a part of the British Straits Settlements. Shortly after its establishment, the museum was recognised for its collection, which comprised of a natural history collection from South East Asia, and various other collections.

Before coming under the name we all know today, the museum was called the Raffles Library and Museum, and it was only later when the museum and library separate did the museum have a name of its own, the Raffles Museum. The museum was unaffected by the war, as a scientist there was on good terms with General Yamashita, the head of the Japanese forces invading Singapore during World War II, and this was important for the safety of the great collection housed within the museum. Originally meant to serve the British staff in Singapore, the museum was renamed the National Museum after the independence of Singapore, thus it represented the important role which the museum played in the history of Singapore.

1993 was a significant year for the Singapore History Museum, as well as 2 other museums, the Singapore Art Museum and the Asian Civilisations Museum, which collectively came under the National Heritage Board. She is a new generation museum, striving to be the people's museum, always on the go with her numerous public outreach programmes and activities. The Singapore History Museum is proud to be the repository of Singapore's memories. The Singapore History Museum's 118 year building at Stamford Road has been closed for development to allow the museum to cater to the changing needs of Singapore. In the meantime, at Riverside Point, the Museum's temporary home, it presents Rivertales, which tells the history of Singapore from the 14th Century through developments and stories revolving around the Singapore River.

A History Panel

Information and Images courtesy from the Singapore History Museum of the National Heritage Board.

For more information on the Museum's exhibitions, programmes and development project, please log on to www.nhb.gov.sg/shm