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Elizabeth Sinn, Senior Consultant, Hong Kong Memory Project, Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences
The Hong Kong Memory Project (HKMP) is a response to UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” Project which aims to preserve historical records through digitization. The task of the HKMP is to build a digital repository for the collection, conservation, preservation and presentation of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage, in order to educate, inspire and engage the people of Hong Kong as well as people overseas. The Project is sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust; the Institute, with the support of the Hong Kong Universities Libraries, is commissioned to develop the HKMP web portal.
A broad range of historical materials are digitally preserved and presented as thematic archives and online exhibitions. The first five-year phase of the HKMP was completed in late 2011; 30 thematic collections and 15 exhibitions are being prepared for uploading to the system. The history of education, Kai Tak Airport and its neighbourhood, traditional Chinese festivals, aspects of village life and local history and the culture of Yaumatei are some of the subjects covered. The Project is also conducting oral history with senior citizens on their school days, work life and housing experience. Moreover, to record the history of Hong Kong’s industrial development, veterans of industries, including industrialists and factory workers, have been interviewed by the project team.
Besides the HKU Project team, other scholars, interested individuals and local NGOs experienced in and committed to preserving Hong Kong’s history and culture have contributed to the project in different ways. In addition, to encourage student participation and broaden their learning experience, a subsidiary platform – the School Memories website – has been created to help them preserve and share their schools’ historical records on the internet. Other innovative efforts will be launched to maximize the use of the website as a research, educational and community resource.
