The Makers and Keepers of Singapore History Book Launch

Saturday, 24 July, 3.00 – 5.00 pm
The POD, Level 16, National Library Building

History has never been more alive in Singapore, as we can see from new books on our political notables to works containing the voices of those who had been silent, from the interest shown by both the participants as well as young Singaporeans born after the period.

The Makers and Keepers of Singapore History does not join this growing chorus of voices and noises. It begins at the cusp of history, where past and present meet. Every book on the past has to negotiate with the present – to find the archival sources, which are located somewhere, possibly behind a gate and its keeper; or to locate that elusive participant who will throw light on a major gap in our knowledge, and convince them to speak. So much of the research on history is predicated upon such presents that it is important, and timely, to examine the gates, which stand between researchers and the archives and memories, they seek.

The Makers and Keepers of Singapore History is a meditation on this making of history, often on the difficulty of the making. Its contributors, including a diverse group of historians, social scientists, filmmakers, and public intellectuals, reflect on their encounters with the gatekeepers, and how they have or have not been able to enter or circumvent the gates. The book is jointly published by the Singapore Heritage Society and Ethos Books. Due to limited seats, registration is required & can be made via http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg and surf on to “Singapore”.