Yilan County History Museum

The Yilan County History Museum is a specialized archive dedicated to preserving and promoting local historical and cultural heritage. It is managed by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Yilan County Government and is the first county-level institution in Taiwan established specifically for compiling local chronicles, collecting historical materials, and promoting historical education.

The museum building is divided into two levels. The upper level serves as the exhibition space, hosting not only permanent displays but also a variety of themed special exhibitions. These include "Taiwan's First," "Yilan's First," the "Grandma's Story House" featuring women’s life stories, the "New Immigrant Women’s Exhibition" showcasing the lives of immigrant women, and "Voices of Taiwan," an audio history exhibit provided by the Central Broadcasting System. The museum also plays an active role in documenting significant local events, serving as a guardian of collective memory.

The lower level functions as the research and archive area. It houses a rich collection that includes academic theses, journals, manuscripts, ancient documents, family genealogies, and maps related to Yilan, offering valuable first-hand resources for researchers. To meet modern needs, the museum has also developed a digital archive system to make access to these materials more convenient for the public.

In addition to exhibitions and collections, the museum actively publishes oral histories and records of local heritage, promoting historical education. Its efforts in publication and outreach have been recognized with multiple awards from the Taiwan Historica, including achievements in volunteer programs, Japanese document translation projects, and various publications. Due to Yilan’s close historical ties with Japan and the Ryukyu Islands, Japanese scholars and authors often visit the museum.