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The History and Ethnography Museum of Stadthuys in Melaka - English Guided Tour

Updated: Nov 24, 2024

Tour guide by Mr Shauqani


Stepping Through Time at the History and Ethnography Museum

Nestled within the walls of the historic Stadthuys building in Malacca City is the fascinating History and Ethnography Museum. Built in 1650 by the Dutch, the Stadthuys itself is a journey back in time, and the museum within its walls offers an even deeper exploration of Malacca's rich past.


The museum is divided into two main sections: History and Ethnography. The History section takes you on a captivating journey from the founding of Malacca in 1400, right up to the year of Malayan independence in 1957. Explore exhibits that unveil the city's fascinating story through the ages.


The Ethnography section dives into the vibrant tapestry of Malacca's diverse communities. Learn about the lifestyles and cultures of the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Portuguese, Baba and Nyonya, Chetti, and Chitty communities. See traditional wedding attire, kitchenware used in daily life, and musical instruments that filled the air with melodies.


But the museum's treasures extend beyond cultural artifacts. You'll also find collections of ancient porcelain ware, weapons used in battles of old, stamps that showcase the evolution of communication, and even a glimpse into the world of early commerce through displays of ancient currencies.


A visit to the History and Ethnography Museum is a must for anyone wanting to truly understand the heart and soul of Malacca. It's a place where history comes alive, and the stories of the past resonate through the halls.


A Landmark in Malacca: The Stadthuys

Standing tall in the heart of Malacca City is the Stadthuys, a historic Dutch building meaning "city hall" in old Dutch. This iconic landmark, known for its red facade and a nearby red clock tower, sits in a prominent spot called Red Square.


Built in 1650, the Stadthuys served as the official office for the Dutch governor and deputy governor. Even after the British took over, it continued to be a center of administration, housing the treasury, post office, government offices, and even residences for high officials.


Malacca's educational landscape was also shaped by the Stadthuys. In response to a call for an English school, missionaries established the Malacca Free School nearby in 1826. Initially offering free education to residents, the school eventually became Malacca High School under British government control in 1871. Today, the school stands at a different location.


Now transformed into the History and Ethnography Museum, the Stadthuys (considered the oldest remaining Dutch building in the Orient by some) continues to serve a public purpose. Visitors can delve into Malacca's rich past through displays of traditional costumes and artifacts from various eras.


Video timestamp:

00:44-Intro

01:59-Malacca History Records Begin

04:45-Learning from History

05:57-The Stadthuys Building

07:06-Dutch Came as a Company, Not a Country

08:00-The Only Red Stadthuys

08:38-Portuguese Well vs. Dutch Well

10:15-Dutch Roofs' 45-Degree Slope

10:32-The Oldest Stadthuys

12:38-Cheng Ho

14:25-Twin Cities with Malacca

17:43-The Governor’s Room

19:30-Antique Plates

20:47-Introduction to the Frisia Ship

22:59-Items Made from Tin

24:20-The Dutch Door

25:55-Portuguese Description of Malacca

26:49-First Thing Built by Portuguese

28:35-The Fortaleza

29:59-Malay Daggers Collection

32:22-The Dutch’s Bakery

33:05-Original Bakery Floor

36:28-Dutch Descendants

41:19-Discovery of Malacca

43:33-Naming of Malacca

44:42-The Malacca Tree

46:44-Why Malacca Strait

48:21-First Malacca Village

48:49-Parameswara's Role

49:11-Malacca in 1405

51:24-The Chinese Ship

52:07-How Islam Came Here

54:25-Portuguese Description of Malacca in History Books

56:07-War Btw Malacca & Alfonso Albuquerque

57:17-Why Malacca Lost to the Portuguese

01:02:13-Why Malacca Has No Sultan Today

01:05:22-The Big Balcony

01:05:44-The Naning War-British First Loss

01:07:38-Dutch Square and Queen Victoria Fountain

01:09:41-Zero Mile of Melaka

01:12:09-Legendary Story of Hang Tuah & Friends

01:16:28-Scenario When the Portuguese Arrived

01:18:58-First Portuguese Kingdom-A’ Famosa

01:21:28-Expansion of A’Famosa

01:22:42-Using Mud for Wall Construction in A’Famosa

01:23:33-The Conquest of A’ Famosa

01:25:25-St. Paul

01:26:37-List of Governors in Melaka

01:27:56-Reasons for Melaka's Weakening in the British Era

01:29:36-William Farquhar vs. Stamford Raffles-Discoverer of Singapore

01:31:34-Landscape Changes After Dutch Arrival

01:33:36-Moat Function in Dutch Era

01:34:49-No Churches, Temples, Mosques were built Before 1700

01:35:58-Landscape Changes After British Arrival

01:36:13-Why Only Porta Santiago Survived

01:37:14-Melaka Houses Made from Fortress Stones

01:37:37-British-Era Buildings

01:39:14-Why Tunku Abdul Rahman's Independence Declaration in Melaka

01:41:45-Meng Seng Charity Building's Sad Story

01:42:08-Worst Colonizer

01:45:30-END


Location:

Jln Kota, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia:

56VX+JH Malacca

2.194164710074194, 102.24886913996137



Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0 - Creative Commons

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