The Share Your Story, Shape Our Memorial travelling exhibition is kicking off its showcase at Gardens by the Bay on 28 April 2022. This exhibition is part of the Founder’s Memorial project which has been involving members of the public throughout the process since 2015.
Members of the public who visit this travelling exhibition will be able to get a better idea of the founding values that will anchor the Memorial’s content as well as get a chance to respond to the public call for artefacts and stories that will present Singapore’s nation-building years.
There are various highlights that visitors to the travelling exhibition can look forward to. The various panels are split into four different sections, each named with lyrics from popular national day songs such as “Count On Me Singapore” and “One People, One Nation, One Singapore.”
The Memorial will focus on the period the 1950s to 1970s in Singapore’s history, explored through the lens of policy deliberations, dilemmas and decisions that illustrate how Singapore’s leaders and people were guided through the nation-building years by founding values.
Mr Lee Tzu Yang, Co-Chairman of the Founders’ Memorial Committee, said: “Engagement is at the very core of the making of the Founders’ Memorial. It will be a unifying space for all Singaporeans, of which we all can be proud, that represents the Singapore spirit.
Visitors can also see watch video interviews of Singaporeans who played key roles during the founding years of Singapore and also read stories and see unique artefacts from our past.
Mr Timothy de Souza, a Founders’ Memorial Committee member, is one person who stepped forward to contribute an artefact – a 1968 photograph of his training days in the United Kingdom to become one of Singapore’s first fighter pilots. “We hope that more Singaporeans will come forward to share their personal artefacts and stories, and help shape our Founders’ Memorial.”, he shared.
Call for Submission of Artefacts and Stories from the Founding Years
Singaporeans can respond to the public call to submit artefacts and stories from the 1950s to the 1970s. This time period was chosen as it is a critical chapter in Singapore’s nation-building journey.
These artefacts and stories can be related to a national policy or historical milestone linked to Singapore’s independence and/or encounters with our founding leaders. Artefacts and stories should also illustrate founding values such as boldness, resilience and integrity.
The public can submit their artefacts or stories online via the Founders’ Memorial’s multi-lingual website here, where they can also find a wishlist containing examples of artefacts and stories that the Memorial is looking for. Physical submissions of objects will not be accepted at the travelling exhibition venues. All submissions will be evaluated and assessed for their relevance. Selected contributions from the public call will be featured in the Memorial’s galleries when it opens.
The Share Your Story, Shape Our Memorial travelling exhibition will make its way to various locations around the island, including shopping malls, community hubs, libraries and schools, till February 2023. An online version of the travelling exhibition will also be available on the Founders’ Memorial website to enable greater access. Visit the website here.
