Opening of the Exhibition "Nguyen Dynasty Woodblock Space"

On the evening of September 22, in Da Lat City, the National Archives Center IV (Department of State Records and Archives, Ministry of Home Affairs) held the opening ceremony of the exhibition "Nguyen Dynasty Woodblock Space" and the cultural event "Heritage Journey in the Digital Age," with the participation of nearly 200 invited delegates.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Duy Thang said that in addition to managing and preserving archival documents according to assigned tasks and topics, the National Archives Center IV is very honored and has a high responsibility in managing, preserving and promoting the value of the Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks document block with 33,971 Woodblocks.

This is a valuable document, of special value in the Vietnamese historical treasure, showing the activities of the Nguyen Dynasty, so that future generations can learn about the origins and cultural development of the nation.

In 2009, UNESCO honored Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks as Vietnam's first World Documentary Heritage, which is an international recognition and appreciation and also a heavy responsibility of the State Records and Archives Department, National Archives Center IV.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the Department to request the centers to do a good job of preservation and especially promote the value of national archives.

The centers have had many rich activities. The organization of the Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks Space by the National Archives Center IV in the event "Heritage Journey in the Digital Age" is one of the activities of the Project to preserve and promote the value of Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks approved by the Prime Minister in 2016.

Activities to promote the value of Woodblocks and Royal Records represent the entire flow of Vietnamese history, demonstrating historical traditions, culture, and national sovereignty.

Appreciating the way to promote the value of archival documents, combining tradition with modernity, Deputy Minister Nguyen Duy Thang said that using digital technology to recreate the history of formation, the process of compiling and engraving the Woodblocks, especially the information on the Woodblocks - the heroic historical epic of Vietnam, helps the public to access almost the original Woodblocks.

He highly appreciated the efforts of the State Records and Archives Department and the National Archives Center IV for their creativity and research in promoting the value of documents; wished to do better in promoting the image and historical traditions for the public of all generations to access; and the support of ministries, branches and localities in preserving and promoting the value of national archives, especially woodblocks.

Vice Chairman of Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee Pham S shared that on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of Da Lat's formation and development (1893-2023), the province organized many welcoming events. Exhibition "Nguyen Dynasty Woodblock Space" and cultural events “Heritage Journey in the Digital Age” organized by National Archives Center IV is a meaningful event.

With the attention of leaders at all levels, the support and coordination of agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Archives Center IV has performed well its mission of preserving the Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks, contributing to being one of the destinations for tourists in Lam Dong and Da Lat.

The number of 50,000 visitors each year has made the Center a center for learning, cultural education, and historical traditions of the Vietnamese people.

Referring to the meaningful activities that the Center coordinated with functional agencies to organize such as "Hoang Sa, Truong Sa of Vietnam - Historical and legal evidence," "Da Lat past and present," Mr. Pham S emphasized, "With responsibility, affection, looking towards history, looking towards the future, the National Archives Center IV located in Da Lat city has contributed to creating UNESCO heritages."

Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks are original documents with special values ​​in history, politics, society, culture, national defense, etc. that have been centrally managed, preserved and promoted by the Archives sector in a unified and effective manner over the years, contributing to the cause of national construction and defense.

For the first time at a National Archives Center, attendees experienced the Hologram application to understand the story of the Woodblocks using sand paintings, 3D Mapping technology to see the process of compiling and printing Woodblocks, using VR 360 virtual reality technology, scanning QR Code to view exhibition information...

Participants will discuss digital transformation in promoting the value of archival documents through a discussion with the participation of managers and experts in the field of archives and technology.

This event is the opening event of the process of promoting, preserving and developing the value of Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks in the direction of combining tradition and modernity, helping the National Archives Center IV become one of the attractive, close and useful destinations for tourists, domestic and foreign experts, especially the young generation when coming to Da Lat city.

The event promises to be a place to orient and promote digital transformation in the preservation and promotion of the value of archival documents for provinces and cities across the country.