As "open classrooms," historical sites in Hue offer students an interesting and visual way to access history.
Students from Ham Nghi Secondary School participated in the "Who is the wise historian?" knowledge competition as part of the "Great spirit of Can Vuong" program
Vibrant heritage, engaging experiences
Recently, the "Great spirit of Can Vuong" program took place at the exhibition space "Emperor Ham Nghi: life and art" in the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities. This event has left 80 students from Ham Nghi Secondary School with unforgettable experiences. It was organized to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Emperor Ham Nghi’s passing (1944 - 2025) and the 140th anniversary of the Can Vuong Edict (1885 - 2025).
At the event, students engaged in a series of interactive activities, from the intellectual game "Who is the wise historian?" to the physical challenge "Passing the royal edict." By integrating education into these hands-on experiences, the program created a learning environment that was both age-appropriate and historically meaningful.
Minh Nguyen, an 8th-grade student, excitedly shared: "Similar to 'Ring the Golden Bell,' 'Who is the wise historian?' provided us with historical knowledge that isn't found in textbooks. I was particularly impressed by the opportunity to learn more about the emperor after whom my school is named - Ham Nghi. Through these experiences, history became more than just numbers and events; it transformed into a story of resilience and the unyielding spirit of the Can Vuong movement."
According to Mr. Truong Quy Man, Deputy Director of Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, transforming heritage sites into "open classrooms" fosters enthusiasm for history while developing critical thinking and communication skills. "Our goal is for students to 'live' in the past, physically engage with cultural heritage, and move beyond dry textbook learning. This approach ignites a passion for history, deepens awareness of heritage preservation, and nurtures national pride," expressed Mr. Man.
Concerns and efforts
How to make heritage education (HED) programs become more engaging and attract more students is a constant concern for organizers.
From those concerns, Hue Monuments Conservation Center (HMCC) and Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities have been meticulously designing a more structured and diverse HED curriculum. "Content is divided into small sections, being tailored to different age groups, ensuring that students not only gain historical knowledge about the Nguyen Dynasty but also develop a deeper understanding of the culture and customs of the ancient capital," explained Mr. Man. Rather than simply learning by heart dates and events, students “come to history” through curiosity and direct experience - whether by exploring the intangible heritage of the royal court, appreciating traditional artistic values, or learning about socio-political events of the time.
These interactive field trips not only make learning enjoyable but also instill a sense of responsibility for heritage conservation. Many students have expressed that without such hands-on experiences, it is hard for them to grasp the grandeur of the Imperial City or the intricacy of Hue’s cultural traditions.
Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center, emphasized that Hue’s cultural heritage is an invaluable asset, offering lessons in ethics, character, and human values. "Hue possesses a vast system of historical sites, including the Complex of Hue Monuments, the tombs of Nguyen emperors, religious relics, and remarkable architectural structures. Additionally, Hue holds and co-holds eight UNESCO-recognized tangible, intangible, and documentary heritage assets. This presents a great advantage for heritage education, helping students not only learn history but also develop a deeper cultural understanding and appreciation."
"Heritage education in Hue also opens up great potential for educational tourism development," said Mr. Trung. The center also plans to deploy other forms of experience, such as Heritage Summer Camps, specialized workshops, and customized curricula for different education levels. These initiatives aim to make Hue's heritage more easily accessible and engaging for both Vietnamese students and international visitors.
Up to now, Hue Monuments Conservation Center has developed 9 cultural heritage education programs with 9 topics suitable for preschool children, primary and secondary school students. Additionally, a heritage Q&A database with 450 questions has been built, integrating technology into the teaching process. Moreover, in collaboration with German cultural heritage preservation experts, six specialized programs for students and university learners have also been launched. University students now have opportunities to enroll in Heritage Protection courses, outdoor exhibitions, conservation techniques, restoration projects, and even traditional mural painting combined with 3D creativity. Furthermore, the Museum of Royal Antiquities has completed a "Heritage Education Resource Package for High School Students at Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities," along with 48 small-scale intellectual and physical games tailored to different school levels.
Story and photo: Lien Minh
