Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Chiayi City's Village Life Cultural Museum, Preserving Touching Stories and Memories

By Central News Agency Reporter Huang Kuo-chang, Chiayi City, June 17

Chiayi City Government held a groundbreaking ceremony today at the site of the demolished Jianguo 2nd Village for the construction of the Village Life Cultural Museum, aiming to preserve the precious cultural memories of military dependents’ villages. Mayor Huang Min-hui stated that this site carries many touching stories and memories, and the museum will become a beacon of light for the city.

The groundbreaking and blessing ceremony was attended by Mayor Huang Min-hui, Presidential Office Senior Advisor Chang Po-ya, and renowned producer Wang Wei-chung, who grew up in Jianguo 2nd Village.

Mayor Huang emphasized that Jianguo 2nd Village embodies the life trajectories of post-war immigrants, family memories, and ethnic integration, preserving invaluable collective memories of village life. The village was demolished by the Ministry of National Defense in 2005 (Minguo Year 94). She expressed hope that the Village Life Cultural Museum would safeguard Chiayi City’s essential cultural foundation and serve as a starting point for continuing urban memory.

Huang noted that many elderly residents who once lived in the village gathered to witness the groundbreaking. This site holds deep emotional significance for citizens, and the museum will rekindle the hearths of former village life, becoming a source of light for the city’s future.

Wang Wei-chung shared his emotional reflections: “Standing on the land where I grew up, I am overwhelmed with emotion, and tears are welling up.” His documentary 'Mom’s Village' has been viewed by over 100 million people across the Chinese-speaking world since its release 21 years after the village’s demolition. The stage play 'Island of Treasure' was also inspired by his childhood experiences. He believes the cultural museum will ensure these precious life memories are passed on to future generations.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that the museum will revitalize and repurpose four remaining old village houses from Jianguo 2nd Village, integrating surrounding parks, green spaces, and public areas to create a cultural venue blending historical atmosphere with everyday life. The museum will feature immersive exhibitions, a village theater, and diverse performance and exchange spaces to fully present the lifestyle and era-specific memories of village culture.

The total budget for the museum project is approximately NT$109.7 million. Construction has officially begun and is expected to be completed in phases by the end of this year. (Editor: Lee Heng-shan) 1150617