Ton Duc Thang Museum: 20 seasons of blossoms and historical stories

WVR - Ton Duc Thang Museum organizes various activities to commemorate President Ton Duc Thang, while introducing the special exhibition "Journey of 20 Seasons of Blossoms" with over 180 documents and artifacts, contributing to bringing the image, life, and character of Bac Ton (Uncle Ton) closer to the public, especially the younger generation.

On August 20, Ton Duc Thang Museum (Ho Chi Minh City) held a gathering to celebrate the 138th birthday of President Ton Duc Thang (August 20, 1888 - August 20, 2026).

Delegates, representatives of agencies, organizations, and a large number of people offered incense in remembrance, recalling the life, revolutionary career, and contributions of President Ton Duc Thang to the cause of national liberation, construction, and defense.

Ton Duc Thang Museum: 20 seasons of blossoms and historical stories
Delegates offering incense to President Ton Duc Thang.

Recalling the life and career of President Ton Duc Thang

Speaking at the gathering, Mr. Pham Thanh Nam, Director of Ton Duc Thang Museum, emphasized that President Ton Duc Thang was an outstanding son of An Giang, a steadfast fighter of the international communist and labor movement, a close comrade of President Ho Chi Minh, and an exemplary leader of the Party and State.

In every position, Bac Ton always maintained a simple, honest, and upright character, wholeheartedly serving the nation and the people. The commemorative activities are an opportunity to revisit his life, career, and moral example, thereby contributing to educating the younger generation about patriotism, national pride, and responsibility.

President Ton Duc Thang was born on Ong Ho Islet, now part of My Hoa Hung Commune, An Giang Province. At the age of 18, he left his hometown for Saigon to learn a trade, working as a mechanic at various establishments. During his time at Ba Son Shipyard, he actively participated in the labor movement and founded the secret Labor Union – the first labor organization of the Vietnamese working class.

From a worker to a senior leader of the Party and State, President Ton Duc Thang always retained the qualities of a revolutionary, staying connected with the people and dedicating his life to the revolutionary cause.

Ton Duc Thang Museum: 20 seasons of blossoms and historical stories
Delegates perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the special exhibition “Journey of 20 Seasons of Blossoms”.

Telling Bac Ton's story through children's drawings

The highlight of the commemorative activities is the special exhibition “Journey of 20 Seasons of Blossoms”, showcasing the 20-year journey of the painting competition “Ho Chi Minh City Children with Bac Ton”.

The exhibition features over 180 documents, artifacts, and award-winning artworks from various competitions. The content allows the public to look back at the formation and development of the competition, while exploring how generations of students learn about the life, career, and character of President Ton Duc Thang through art.

Through each artwork, Bac Ton's image is depicted with the pure and emotional perspective of children, creating an approachable and lively historical narrative.

After 20 years, the competition has become an educational heritage activity through fine arts, contributing to nurturing love for the homeland, pride in historical traditions, and awareness of preserving cultural values among the younger generation.

The exhibition “Journey of 20 Seasons of Blossoms” runs from August 20, 2026, to February 28, 2027, at Ton Duc Thang Museum, serving residents and visitors interested in learning more.

Ton Duc Thang Museum: 20 seasons of blossoms and historical stories
Mr. Pham Thanh Nam, Director of Ton Duc Thang Museum, presents a thank-you letter to artist Viet Anh for donating a portrait painting of President Ton Duc Thang. (Source: Organizing Board)

On this occasion, Ton Duc Thang Museum also received numerous documents and artifacts from Cao Thang Technical College, reflecting the school's formation and development since its establishment, thereby clarifying its connection with President Ton Duc Thang.

Additionally, the museum received a silk portrait painting of President Ton Duc Thang by artist Viet Anh, created on Tan Chau silk from An Giang.

The use of materials associated with Bac Ton's homeland adds depth to the artwork, while enriching the museum's collection and exhibition space.

The activities commemorating the 138th birthday of President Ton Duc Thang contribute to enhancing the heritage value associated with this historical figure, while innovating traditional education methods, bringing stories of Bac Ton's life and career closer to the public, especially the younger generation.

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