When memories become heritage

Traces of history

In the memories of generations of Hai Phong residents, President Ho Chi Minh is closely associated with his visits to the city, when he spoke with and encouraged local officials, soldiers and residents. The places he visited, his words of guidance passed down through the years, and the artifacts preserved today together form a spiritual heritage of special value to the city.

Hai Phong Museum preserves many artifacts associated with President Ho Chi Minh. The museum's second location in Thanh Dong Ward was once visited by the President, who spoke with local residents there.

At its location in Hong Bang Ward, Hai Phong Museum has a permanent exhibition titled “Uncle Ho and the People of Hai Phong – The People of Hai Phong Follow His Teachings,” featuring nearly 150 photographs and research documents, along with 70 artifacts. These original documents and objects, collected and preserved over time, reflect not only the President's concern for the port city but also the people's affection and gratitude toward him.

At the second location, the museum preserves several of his keepsakes, including a waterwheel he used alongside local residents to combat flooding in Hiep Luc, a rice transplanter he presented to the Phuong Hung Commune Youth Union in 1960, a flower vase bearing his handwritten words “We must strive to make progress,” as well as a typewriter and a commemorative guestbook.

“Every image, document and artifact associated with the President's visits tells its own story. Our job is not only about preserving these precious keepsakes, but also helping visitors understand his affection and concern for the city's Party organization, armed forces and people. In this way, historical values are conveyed in a more accessible manner, especially to younger generations,” said Do Thi Mai Anh, a guide at Hai Phong Museum.

Turning historic sites into cultural destinations

From a cultural and tourism perspective, the network of historic sites associated with President Ho Chi Minh could serve as valuable destinations for sightseeing and education for both local residents and visitors.

During his visits to Hai Phong, the President went to Con Son Pagoda and visited Cat Ba fishing village in Cat Hai Special Zone. Today, both places are popular tourist destinations in Hai Phong and are part of heritage and scenic complexes recognized by UNESCO.

According to Nguyen Hoang Ngoc Bich, Director of Asean Travel Trading and Services Co., Ltd. in Ha Noi, Hai Phong could incorporate these historic sites into existing tours as highlights rather than necessarily developing a separate route.

Visitors to Cat Ba could learn about the President's visit to the fishing village before experiencing local fishing culture and exploring the island's coastal scenery. A trip to Con Son could combine the story of his 1965 visit with opportunities to learn about the area's history, culture and heritage landscape.

Meanwhile, memorial sites dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in Ninh Giang could be included in educational heritage tours connecting relics, craft villages and local cultural spaces.

For these itineraries to be appealing, it is essential to develop a distinctive story for each destination. Rather than simply presenting dates, locations and events, tour commentary should explain the historical context, the President's words of guidance, the stories behind individual artifacts and how local communities have changed over time.

According to Trinh Dinh Dieu, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Division of Ninh Giang Commune, connecting these relics with other cultural destinations in the area would create more opportunities to bring their value to life and make stories about President Ho Chi Minh more accessible to the community, especially younger generations.

THANH HOA