BY TONY IROGA
The long-awaited Nambawan Haus Museum in Tulagi will officially open on July 28, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) says.
The museum is a joint project between MCT and the Central Islands Provincial Government.
It will become the country’s second museum and a place to preserve the history and culture of Central Islands Province.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale is expected to officiate at the opening ceremony. He will be joined by Central Islands Premier Kenneth Sagupari, members of the provincial assembly, senior government officials and development partners.
The Ministry said the museum is more than just a heritage building.
“It will serve as a centre for education, research and cultural exchange while protecting the province’s history, traditions and identity for future generations,” the Ministry said.
The museum is located on a hill overlooking Tulagi Harbour and Iron Bottom Sound. It is housed in the restored former residence of Charles Woodford, the British Resident Commissioner during the colonial period.
The building was officially handed over to the Ministry and the Central Islands Provincial Government in May last year after major restoration work.
According to the Ministry, visitors will learn about more than 2,500 years of Central Islands history.
The displays cover the early Kula people, the arrival of European explorers, the British Protectorate, Tulagi’s time as the country’s colonial capital, the Second World War and the formation of Central Islands Province.
The Ministry said the museum will continue to expand its collections through research and close partnership with local communities.
One of the main attractions is the Binabina War Canoe, rebuilt by master canoe builder William Semu of Haroro using traditional materials and customary building methods.
“The project has not only restored an important traditional canoe but has also helped revive and preserve an important cultural practice for future generations,” the Ministry said.
The canoe is displayed inside the specially built Vale Kiala (Kastom Canoe House), where visitors can learn about one of Central Islands Province’s important cultural traditions.
The Ministry said the opening of the Nambawan Haus Museum reflects the Government’s commitment to protect the country’s heritage, strengthen cultural identity, support education and research, and promote cultural tourism as part of sustainable economic development.
Photo credit: Tourism media
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