National Museum of Taiwan History (NMTH)

Overview

The National Museum of Taiwan History (NMTH) are a set of online digital resources maintained by the National Museum of Taiwan History (國立臺灣歷史博物館), located in Annan District, Tainan, Taiwan. These databases provide open digital access to the museum's collection of over 140,000 artifacts, documents, audiovisual materials, and associated research data documenting the history and culture of Taiwan.

History and Founding

The National Museum of Taiwan History was established in 2000 with the mission of becoming the world's leading museum dedicated to Taiwanese history. Since its founding, the museum has built a collection exceeding 140,000 items, of which more than 35% were donated by private collectors. The online databases were developed to extend access to these materials beyond the physical museum.

Collections and Holdings

The NMTH's collection encompasses books, documents, objects, and audiovisual materials that document Taiwan's past from multiple perspectives. Priority is given to artifacts that capture Taiwan's historical significance, global connections, and multicultural aspects, including everyday culture and diverse ethnic groups. Notable holdings include materials related to the Dutch East India Company in Taiwan, documents from the Sunflower Student Movement of 2014, and COVID-19 pandemic records. The museum has pursued a Contemporary Collection initiative that acquires first-hand historical materials as contemporary events unfold.

The museum's digital databases allow users to search the collection online, access records about artifacts, view high-resolution images, and explore associated research. Collections are organized to reflect the museum's human-centric approach to artifact interpretation.

Access and Usage

The databases are accessible online through the museum's website. The physical museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 09:00–17:00. Researchers can access database records and request further information through the museum's online platforms.