Studies on the districts of Tsim Sha Tsui and Yau Ma Tei

(Completed)

This research project focuses on Tsim Sha Tsui and Yau Ma Tei, the most well-developed areas of the Kowloon Peninsula. Starting with a look at the districts before British colonial rule commenced in 1841, the project proceeds to examine the contributions they have made to the overall development of Hong Kong in terms of land and sea transport as well as commerce and trade up to the end of the 20th century. Significant historical figures and events closely associated with the districts will also be explored in detail, allowing us to understand the changing facets of the Kowloon Peninsula from a wider perspective.

 

Hong Kong People's lives from the 19th to the middle of the 20th century

(Completed)

This research project sets out to explore the changing facets of Hong Kong people's lives from 1842 to 1945 in terms of clothing, food, housing, transportation, entertainment and education. In addition to indicators of rising living costs, the news coverage and interesting episodes relating to these themes will also be examined, allowing the urban development of our city and the changing lifestyles of the general public to be explained in vivid detail.

 

Hong Kong Society and People's Livelihood through Hong Kong Films from the 1930s to 1990s

(Completed)

Life is like a drama. This research project examines footage of Hong Kong films from the 1930s to the 1990s in the six areas: clothing, food, housing, transportation, entertainment and education.

 

Studies on the districts of Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi

(Completed)

Through studies focusing on Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi, this research project aims to show the changes that these districts have undergone from 1898 to the present, including the rapid transformation that took place during the new town developments that began in the 1950s. In addition to written texts, the project will be supplemented by a wide array of visual evidence, including historical photos and maps, which vividly reveal the changing face of Hong Kong.

 

Research on the History of the Lei Cheng Uk Resettlement Area

(Completed)

Lei Cheng Uk Estate was not Hong Kong's first resettlement area, but it was the site of a number of major historical events, such as the discovery of the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb in 1955 and the "Kowloon Riots" in 1956. This research investigates the history of the Lei Cheng Uk resettlement area by collecting related photographs and architectural drawings and interviewing former residents. The findings will be used to reconstruct the unique face of post-war resettlement areas in the new permanent exhibition.

 

Research on the History of Hong Kong Football after WWII

(Completed)

In the 1950s, Hong Kong was hailed as the "Football Kingdom of the Far East". Football was not only an important form of mass entertainment in Hong Kong during the last century; it was also intricately connected with the city's political, economic and social development. The purpose of this research is to illustrate the development of Hong Kong football and introduce classic matches along with football stars. It will also look into the relationship between the development of football and society, as well as people's livelihood in Hong Kong after the Second World War.

 

Festivals in Hong Kong: Past and Present

(Completed)

Hong Kong is a city of cultural diversity. While the people of Hong Kong celebrate a wide array of Chinese festivals, Western festivals are also emphasised. This research sets out to explore the relationship between festivals and Hong Kong's historical development by examining the Chinese and Western festivals widely celebrated in the Chinese community. The research also illustrates changes in the everyday lives of Hong Kong people over the decades and their diverse and complex sense of identification.

 

The Ancient History and Culture of Hong Kong from an Archaeological Perspective

(Completed)

Even though Hong Kong is located in the border area of mainland China, more than 200 archaeological sites have been discovered in the city to date, yielding a wide variety of relics. This research sets out to organise and examine the existing archaeological information about Hong Kong, in an effort to clarify the relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China, and reconstruct the city's social and cultural landscape in the prehistoric period and during the many dynasties of ancient China.

 

The Life of Hong Kong Chinese People in the Early 20th Century

(Completed)

In the early 20th century, life was harsh for underprivileged Chinese people in Hong Kong. Yet with great perseverance and adaptability, they overcame numerous work and life challenges. This research sets out to collect interesting stories about people from all walks of life in Hong Kong from first-hand historical materials, with a focus on the lower and middle classes between the early 20th century and the dawn of the Second World War.

 

New Kowloon and New Territories

(Completed)

The New Kowloon and New Territories areas were leased to Britain when China and Britain signed the "Convention Respecting an Extension of the Hong Kong Territory" in 1898. Though development in the areas started later than that of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, many invaluable historical and cultural relics have been preserved. With the Second World War as a watershed, this research sets out to illustrate the development of New Kowloon and the New Territories before and after the war.
 

Hong Kong in the Maritime World of the Ming and Qing Dynasties  

(Completed)

Considerable foundation research has been carried out on maritime trade, customs and coastal defence in the Ming and Qing dynasties, but the focus was seldom on Hong Kong. Through retrieving and organising Chinese and foreign records, this research sets out to explore Hong Kong's role in the maritime world during the Ming and Qing dynasties, focusing on maritime trade and coastal defence.

 

Hong Kong Portuguese Soldiers and Civilians in the Second World War

(Completed)

Hong Kong's Portuguese community settled in the city more than one and a half centuries ago, and have long considered Hong Kong their home. During the Second World War, they stood with Hong Kong through thick and thin. This research examines the circumstances of Portuguese soldiers during the Battle of Hong Kong and the Japanese occupation – such as the battlefield situation for the Portuguese units of the defence corps and the experience of Portuguese soldiers held in prisoner-of-war camps or sent to Japan to do hard labour. Also explored are stories about the everyday lives of Portuguese civilians who stayed in Hong Kong or escaped to Macao.