The people of Taiwan, an island nation, have long been connected to the ocean and engaged in maritime pursuits. Not only are the major industries based on sea-bound trade, the lives and customs of the people are also intricately interwoven with the sea. In order to pass down these rich traditions, which are some of the more distinctive characteristics of Taiwan’s culture, to the younger generations, maritime museums have an important role to play.

Taiwan’s maritime sector is vital to the economy, encompassing industries like ship-building, yacht-building, maritime transport, offshore wind power, marine tourism, commercial fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing, with the Navy playing a key role in maritime defense and patrols in the Taiwan Strait.

Educating the next generation

Given that we are in an era dominated by social media and instant gratification, and as we navigate the rapidly changing society and an increasingly digital world, the importance and relevance of museums in the education of children cannot be overstated, and it is crucial to recognize the role museums play in the education of future generations. 

Even though information is now readily available at our fingertips, museums, more than ever, are vital centers for educating children because they offer unique experiences that textbooks or the internet cannot replicate, providing a tangible connection to history, science, art, and culture. 

Museums also provide dynamic environments and experiential learning that foster curiosity, encourage critical thinking, cultivate a lifelong love for learning and promote a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Museums are not merely repositories of artifacts. By prioritizing the educational role of museums, we invest in the leaders, thinkers and creators of tomorrow. One of the most significant ways museums educate children is by providing a tangible connection to history and culture. 

Children are natural explorers, filled with wonder and a desire to understand the world around them. Museums serve as gateways to different eras, cultures, and perspectives. Through vivid exhibits, interactive displays and carefully curated collections, children can experience history and culture in a way that textbooks often fail to offer.

For example, the YM Oceanic Culture and Art Museum at Keelung City situated beside the Keelung Harbor, and housed in a historical building that was originally constructed by the Japanese shipping firm Nippon Yusen Kaisha on May 4, 1915, was opened on December 28, 2004 to promote marine education.

The museum, a prominent local landmark and a hub for preserving Keelung’s maritime heritage, as part of its outreach program, aims to generate interest of the local oceanic culture and art to elementary and high school students so that they can like and protect the ocean, through a series of special events, entertainment and sensory experiences. 

The museum’s exhibits and activities are also designed to embed the rich oceanic heritage of Keelung Harbor into the hearts of every visitor, e.g., a replica of an actual ship bridge, the command center from which the captain and crew navigate, maneuver, and control the ship. The bridge is a crucial area with essential navigation and control equipment. 

The visitors can also try their hands at steering the ship into the port in a simulator. This immersive experience, planting a seed of oceanic curiosity and knowledge in every child who steps into the museum, can inspire a passion for history and culture that lasts a lifetime.

Appreciating culture and history

Museums play a pivotal role in promoting empathy and understanding of diverse cultures. By showcasing art, artifacts and stories from communities from the local areas or around the world, museums provide children with a broader perspective on humanity. An exhibit about indigenous cultures or immigrant experiences can open children’s eyes to the rich tapestry of human experiences and the diversity that exists in our world.

When children are exposed to the stories, traditions, histories, perspectives and challenges faced by different cultures, they can understand the complexity of the human experience and learn to appreciate differences and develop empathy for others. This is especially important in an increasingly globalized but divisive world, where children need to learn to appreciate and respect differences. Understanding and respecting diversity is essential for a better and peaceful world.

For example, programs that encourage dialogue and reflection about underrepresented communities can encourage children to reflect on their values and beliefs. Such experiences can enhance empathy and motivate children to engage in their communities, advocate for justice, and contribute positively to society.

In Taiwan, during early times when plagues were common, people burned ceremonial boats, believing that they would placate the gods of pestilence and bring spiritual protection. This tradition is still followed today, with the burning of the “Wang Yeh” (king) boats as the climax of the ritual.

The king boat festival is one of Taiwan’s most striking and iconic folk rituals, which climaxes in a huge inferno when the wooden boat is set ablaze at a beach. From the temple, the boat is carried through the streets to drive away evil spirits. Along the way, believers make offerings, burn incense and set off firecrackers. The procession, predominant in southwest coastal Taiwan, will end at a beach, where the boat is laid to rest and set on fire in a spectacular closing ceremony. In the past, the boats were set adrift at sea, but are now burned on a beach.

In Taiwan, another important event is the worship of Matsu, a Chinese sea goddess worships primarily by seafarers, fishermen and residents in the coastal regions.  Matsu worship has gained in popularity because of perceived miraculous interventions, with people believing she answered prayers quickly and protected those who invoked her name, so much so that she is now regarded by her believers as a powerful and benevolent queen of heaven. 

Because of the changing tides of time, Matsu’s image has also undergone a number of transformations. When the early immigrants were coming to Taiwan, Matsu was the goddess of the sea; when the settlers were developing and farming the lands, she was the rain goddess; during World War 2, she went to Southeast Asia to save soldiers; now that Taiwan is a free and democratic society, she is regarded by believers as the spiritual leader of social movements.

Matsu has thus become a part of the Taiwanese identity, deeply ingrained in the local culture and is connected to the rhythms of everyday life.

Children enjoying the ship simulator at the YM Oceanic Culture and Art Museum. Photo credit: Lee Kok Leong

A model of a king boat at the Evergreen Maritime Museum. Photo credit: Lee Kok Leong

A statue of Matsu carried on fishing boats for spiritual protection at the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology. Photo credit: Lee Kok Leong

Visitors looking at a specimen of a frilled shark at the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology. Photo credit: Lee Kok Leong

Visitors looking at ship models at the Evergreen Maritime Museum. Photo credit: Lee Kok Leong

A child enjoying the submarine simulator. Photo credit: Lee Kok Leong

The Evergreen Maritime Museum at Taipei, Taiwan. Photo credit: Lee Liang Ying

The National Museum of Marine Science and Technology at Keelung, Taiwan. Photo credit: Lee Liang Ying

New approach to learning

As society evolves, so too must museums. The advent of technology has revolutionized the ways in which children access information. Museums have adapted by incorporating technology into their exhibits, utilizing interactive displays, virtual tours, and mobile apps to enhance the learning experience. This new approach not only captures the attention of tech-savvy children but also meets them where they are, merging traditional education with contemporary methods.

Museums offer something unique compared to traditional classroom learning – experiential learning. When children engage with artifacts, artworks and exhibits, they do so in an immersive environment that stimulates their senses. This experiential approach engages children more deeply than conventional methods. 

For instance, walking through a historical exhibit, where they can see, touch, and even smell the context of the past, cultivates a deeper understanding of history than a chapter in a textbook ever could. This type of engagement not only makes learning fun but also enables children to retain information more effectively.

In addition to providing access to knowledge, museums also promote critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. Unlike traditional classroom settings, where information is often presented in a linear fashion, museums encourage children to ask questions, draw connections, and engage in dialogue. By interacting with exhibits and participating in hands-on activities, children learn to observe, analyze and interpret information.

Programs designed for school groups often include guided tours and interactive workshops that challenge children to think critically about the content they are encountering. This form of learning transforms passive observation into active participation, empowering children to become inquisitive thinkers and innovators.

Museums are not just about passive observation, they are spaces that encourage inquiry and critical thinking. Many museums offer educational programs designed to stimulate curiosity and challenge children to ask questions. Such inquiries push them to think critically about complex issues and to evaluate evidence.

Hands-on workshops and interactive exhibits often incorporate problem-solving challenges. By participating in these activities, children learn to collaborate, communicate and think creatively. They might work in teams to solve a mystery or conduct experiments, thereby applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios. This shift from passive consumption to active participation is crucial in developing the skills children need in a rapidly changing world.

The experience of being in a museum itself can stimulate imagination. Whether it is walking through a gallery of ancient artifacts or viewing a dynamic science exhibit, the stimuli available in a museum environment encourage children to dream and envision possibilities. Such creative exploration is crucial for problem-solving, innovation, and personal expression – skills that are becoming increasingly important in the 21st century.

One of the most significant impacts of museums is their ability to instill a love for lifelong learning in children. When children enjoy their experiences in museums, they are more likely to develop curiosity and desire to explore new ideas and concepts, sparking a child’s interest in a specific subject can lead to further exploration academically, professionally and personally.  

As we navigate the complexities of modern education, we must recognize and embrace the invaluable role that museums play in educating children. They are more than just places to observe objects – they are dynamic environments that stimulate critical thinking, empathy, creativity, and a love for learning. For educators, parents, and policymakers, the message is clear: Museums should be integral partners in the educational journey of children.

Top photo credit: Lee Liang Ying. Keelung Harbor