The Museum's Conservation Department is currently preserving over 35,000 documents and artifacts of historical and cultural value from the locality and the nation. These include collections of artifacts from various ethnic groups, archaeological artifacts, historical and cultural artifacts; artifacts from the resistance against French colonialism and American imperialism; ancient Thai and Dao script books; a cultural heritage collection from the Son La hydroelectric reservoir area; and files of political prisoners held by the French colonialists at Son La Prison during the 1930-1945 period. This is an extremely valuable system of documents serving research, study, and understanding of the history and culture of various ethnic groups.
To promote the value of historical and cultural documents and artifacts, since 2021, the Party Branch has registered to implement the model of " Educating on local historical traditions" for students of primary, secondary, and high schools in the province at the Son La Prison National Special Monument. To ensure the effective and practical implementation of the "Skilled Mass Mobilization" emulation movement, the Party Branch regularly disseminates resolutions and directives on mass mobilization work to cadres, Party members, and staff; incorporates the implementation of the movement into its work program, considering it a criterion for evaluating and rewarding collectives and individuals. It focuses on innovating the content and form of propaganda and education on national historical and cultural traditions through thematic exhibitions, mobile displays, and experiential activities for students in schools throughout the province.
Mr. Pham Van Tuan, Secretary of the Party Branch of the Museum and Library, said: Implementing the model, the Party Branch directed the unit to innovate thematic exhibitions, focusing on artistic and technical design; changing the way documents are researched, information is exploited, and artifacts are collected; developing experiential education plans, compiling thematic topics, questions, and propaganda materials suitable for each age group of students; and deploying VR (virtual reality) technology for visiting the Son La Prison National Special Monument. Activities are organized visually and vividly through site visits, history quizzes, exchanges, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences.
The unit has proactively coordinated with local authorities, relevant organizations, and schools to promote education and organize experiential learning activities at the Son La Prison National Special Monument. From 2021 to the present, the unit has organized over 360 propaganda campaigns, attracting more than 40,000 students, teachers, soldiers, and tourists. Simultaneously, it has organized 17 experiential education sessions with themes such as "I Love History," "The Spirit of To Hieu," and "Homeland's Seas and Islands," along with 25 thematic and mobile exhibitions with significant impact.
The innovative aspect of this model is the harmonious combination of propaganda and experience, transforming history learning into an engaging and beneficial practical activity. Coordination and provision of facilities and human resources are crucial for organizing ceremonies for admitting new members to the Youth Union, Communist Party, and the oath-taking ceremony for new recruits at the historical site. These experiential educational activities create a ripple effect among staff and students, with each event attracting 2,000-3,000 students and teachers, and 5,000-8,000 followers on the Fanpage and Website.
Visiting the Son La Prison National Special Monument, students were able to see firsthand the artifacts and historical documents related to the struggle, construction, and defense of their homeland. The photographs, artifacts, and stories about revolutionary traditions helped them better understand the sacrifices of their ancestors. This, in turn, awakened their national pride and love for their homeland. Nguyen Bao Ha, a student in class 8A4 of Le Quy Don Secondary School, To Hieu Ward, shared: "Having the opportunity to experience, visit, learn about, and listen to explanations about the Son La Prison National Special Monument, we felt deeply moved and proud of our ancestors. We promise to strive to study and train ourselves to be worthy of the sacrifices of the heroic martyrs."
In addition to classroom lessons, schools in the province have organized field trips to historical sites to help students learn about local history and culture. Ms. Le Thi Hong Van, Principal of Chieng Sinh High School in Chieng Sinh ward, said: "The school regularly organizes experiential activities to learn about history at the Son La Prison National Special Monument. These experiential lessons about the historical site are always popular with students, who enthusiastically participate. At the end of the trip, the school requires them to write a report, helping them to further their knowledge of local history and feel proud of their homeland."
With its creative, practical, and effective methods, the "Education on Local Historical Traditions" model of the Museum and Library Party Branch has contributed to bringing history closer to the younger generation, arousing love for the homeland, national pride, and a sense of responsibility in preserving and promoting cultural heritage values. Through this, it creates a vibrant learning and experiential environment, widely disseminating positive traditional values, and becoming a shining example in the work of disseminating and educating about local history.
Source: https://baosonla.vn/xay-dung-dang/lan-toa-long-yeu-nuoc-tu-mo-hinh-dan-van-kheo-yxuIHlbvg.html
