Historical artefacts are invaluable treasures for every nation, and Fiji has demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving its historical artefacts and records. Recently, I had the privilege of leading a group of history students on an enlightening visit to the Fiji Museum. This experience was not only memorable but also significantly enhanced the students’ understanding of historical documents and artefacts, leaving a lasting impression on them.
The Fiji Museum, located in the capital city of Suva, serves as a custodian of the nation’s cultural and historical heritage. It features numerous primary records and historical evidence that showcase the history of Fiji and the Pacific region from ancient times to the present.
Boasting a remarkable collection that includes archaeological materials dating back 3,700 years, the museum also houses cultural objects representing Fiji’s indigenous inhabitants and various communities that have settled across the islands over the past 200 years.
The museum has a rich history, marking significant milestones such as the preservation and display of traditional Fijian culture in 1904, the formal establishment of the Fiji Museum through the passing of the Fiji Museum Ordinance in 1929, and its relocation to the current site in 1955, allowing for an expanded collection. Today, the museum consists of a historical gallery, a masi gallery, an art gallery, an Indo-Fijian gallery, temporary exhibition space, storage areas, and a gift shop.
In this culturally enriching environment, it is vital to encourage children and youth to visit the museum and broaden their knowledge of the past. Their natural curiosity will be piqued, and practical learning experiences will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on them, particularly for first-time visitors. Each exhibit tells a story that deeply resonates with young minds. My students were captivated by the meticulously crafted artefacts, making it an ideal opportunity to stress the importance of conserving such treasures. In our age of artificial intelligence, it is essential to educate the younger generation on how history shapes identity, culture, and values.
As historian H. Carr stated in his book “What is History?”: “The historian without his facts is rootless and futile; the facts without their historian are dead and meaningless.” This reinforces my responsibility to inspire others to critically engage with the exhibitions and relate them to their educational curriculums. The students were filled with astonishment and eagerness to explore the historical artefacts, asking questions and expressing a desire to understand the past and its relevance today.
Many students were particularly intrigued by displays focusing on colonization and its lasting effects on Fijian culture. Others were fascinated by records detailing ancestral voyages, traditional fishing tools, and various cultural artifacts that sparked engaging discussions about historical complexities and their implications for humanity. Through these explorations, students were encouraged to adopt diverse perspectives, crucial for developing critical thinking and empathy.
Nations that successfully preserve historical records enhance their ability to learn from the past and build a better future. Some nations invest substantial resources into expanding their collections, as exemplified by esteemed institutions like the Louvre Museum in Paris, the British Museum in London, and the National Museum of China, among others.
In today’s digital era, Fiji’s museum stands as a testament to the importance of preserving history for future generations. The information displayed captivated my students’ imaginations. They expressed their thoughts and feelings about their trip to the museum, further fueling their desire to engage with their ancestral history and protect their cultural heritage.
As an educator and historian, I encourage all Pacific nations to prioritize the expansion and preservation of their historical records in their museums, ensuring that future generations can learn from them. Allocating dedicated funding for acquiring new artefacts would enrich their collections and historical narratives.
Ultimately, our visit to the Fiji Museum transcended a simple educational outing; it was a transformative experience highlighting the significance of historical documentation and cultural heritage. I believe it is essential to provide young people with opportunities to connect with history through museum visits, demonstrating how history can inspire and empower future generations.
In closing, I share the words of Maira Kalman: “A visit to a museum is a search for beauty, truth, and meaning in our lives. Go to museums as often as you can.” May this inspire our collective efforts to safeguard our historical records.