There’s a Museum Showcasing Queenstown’s Old Artefacts That’s Funded Solely By Residents

Singapore has a rich history and priceless artefacts that are in constant danger of being lost in our nation’s race towards ever greater heights of economic success.

In just about 50 years, we have seen Singapore transform beyond recognition with its never-ending construction of the new and renovation of the old.

With the new wave of the young reaching adulthood, many of the heartlands are being rapidly upgraded and enbloc-ed to make way for shiny new BTOs.

For those who grew up in the heartland’s close-knit communities, I bet they have a lot of memories and fondness attached to these neighbourhoods.

In contrast to the new buildings  sprouting up all over, the sights of old shophouses and HDB flats, outdated home appliances, places of recreation and even street signs, can evoke bouts of nostalgia in those who had to see these things go in the good name of progress.

In particular, Queenstown is one local neighbourhoods that forms an irreplaceable part of our nation’s heritage.

The History of Queenstown

Lest you’re unaware, Queenstown has a rich history.

Before Queenstown was a housing estate, it was a swampy valley housing a rubber plantation on one hill, Chinese graves on the other, and a British military camp called Buller Camp.

The valley was settled by a village called Bo Beh Kang (“No Tail River” in Hokkien) that was occupied by Hokkien, Teo Chew and Hakka inhabitants.

All these were cleared to make way for housing estates. As Singapore’s very first satellite town in 1953, Queenstown housed some of the very first HBD buildings ever built.

It is also where Singapore’s first technical school, Queenstown Secondary Technical School, and our first branch library, Queenstown Community Library were built.

Many of our older generation have especially fond and poignant memories of this established neighbourhood.

Considering how valuable Queenstown is to Singaporeans, residents have stepped up to conserve what is left of its unique history.

And the result?

My Museum @ Queenstown

My Museum @ Queenstown is Singapore’s first independent community museum.

Its funding, curation and maintenance are a result of a collaborative effort by residents.

Located in one of the shophouses along the Tanglin Halt estate, this rather small and humble museum is quite the treasure trove of artefacts that tell the story of the good old days from the common resident’s perspective.

Featuring prominently at the front of the museum is the original neon pink signage spelling out “Queensway” in Mandarin, taken from the old cinema bowling alley you’d have seen before unless you’re too young.

Inside, visitors can spot various old-school objects and scenes, like a home dining scene or common household items.

My Museum @ Queenstown is a project by My Community, a volunteer-run civic charity group which hosts guided tours, festivals and programmes in the neighbourhoods of Queenstown, Bukit Merah and Tiong Bahru.

The museum was launched last Friday and its first exhibition is titled “Our Stories: Do You Remember Them?”.

It took My Community nine years to plan for and collect the artefacts needed for the museum.

Visitors can visit the museum for free.

Opening hours: 10am – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday

From 1 March onwards, the Museum will be opening its doors on designated weekdays too.

At this moment, My Museum at Queenstown is having an open call for volunteers on their Facebook page here. Their volunteer recruitment day will be held  on Saturday 23 March, 2pm to 4pm at Queenstown CC level 2 auditorium.

If you’re interested in the past, why not join them?