Hu Shih Memorial Hal

Introduction

  Considered alongside traditional categories of historical study, modern history is a distinctive field in the midst of development. Not only does it incorporate characteristics from dynastic history and topical history; it has also been entrusted with the responsibility of transmitting knowledge and shaping identity. In regard to the transmission of knowledge, the concept of “modernization" permits analysis of key points of transition between ancient times and the present. The shaping of identity, meanwhile, appeals to nationalism, and through recalling the bitterness and glories of the past gives rise to a shared set of national beliefs. In fact, the narration of China's modern history initially took as its central theme the incursions of imperial powers and China's subsequent inability to modernize. By chronicling these national calamities, the people could be unified, their identity catalyzed.

  At this juncture, history's traditional functions of fostering enlightenment and identity are receding. The true goal now is to clarify historical context and reveal the full picture. To take modern Chinese history as an example, there is an urgent need to look beyond the emperor, generals, ministers, and diplomats, in order to comprehensively explore military history, economic history, social history, intellectual history, and the history of everyday life. If on the one hand we seek to explain the context of how we achieved modernity, on the other hand we must recover the authentic form of this historical process.

  While Hu Shih (1891-1962) was a key figure in modern Chinese history, he is not only a topic of research; he was himself a researcher. As a scholar of history, Hu Shih had a deep appreciation for the importance of historical materials. Not only did he put his words into action; he also strongly encouraged others to write memoirs. When the Institute of Modern History was established at Academia Sinica, Hu Shih called for the preservation of historical materials, encouraged the practice of oral history through interviews, and even supported Kuo Ting-yee (1904-1975) in developing research projects along these lines. While Hu Shih was involved with the Institute of Modern History for only a limited period of time, he played a key role in its development.

  Taking Hu Shih as its starting point, this exhibition outlines the origins of research on modern history, reviews the Institute of Modern History's development over the last seventy years, and considers related research achievements. Taken together, all of this allows us to reflect on the past and ponder the future.