Echoes of the Vitrines: My Journey as a Museum Volunteer

By Sarjit Kaur

The past six months have been an enriching and transformative experience for me as a Museum Volunteer (MV) intern. From September 2023 to March 2024, I embarked on this journey, alongside fellow trainees who completed the program at varying paces.

The MV Program

The MV program consisted of a comprehensive 16-week curriculum. Every week, we attended four-hour lectures by trainers and seasoned speakers who were experts in their fields. For Tuesday’s Batch 42, our trainers were Dato Patricia, Rama, Debbie, Marie, Young-ju, Jenny and Ee Lin. Afidah is our current MV President at the Department of Museums Malaysia.

The trainers and speakers covered the rich tapestry of Malaysian history and culture, as succinctly summarised and displayed on the two external mosaic murals of the National Museum. We were a colourful tapestry ourselves, woven together from diverse ages, backgrounds, nationalities and levels of appreciation.

In Class with Speaker “Lee Su Kim” on Baba Nyonya heritage (photo: Sarjit Kaur)

Assignments and presentations followed a structured progression. First, we explored specific artefacts, delving into their significance and context. Next, we tackled half a gallery, curating exhibits that resonated with our newfound knowledge. The final build-up was a comprehensive presentation of a full gallery, putting together our learnings and creativity.

“A whole new world unfolded, a dazzling place I’ve never been”

Princess Jasmine’s words from the movie Aladdin echoed in my ears. Stories of trade weaved in each gallery; echoes of the rise and fall of empires were heard and soulful blend of cultures felt in hearts. My newfound museum world!

Moment of Truth

The moment of truth arrived during our presentations. Another skill we had to develop through hours of practice! As we stood before our trainers and the vitrines in the museum, hearts racing, we awaited their judgment. And then, like a magic charm, we heard those two words – “You passed!” Yes! It was a validation of our hard work and commitment.

But sometimes, our trainers would add a gentle caveat – “It’s good, but we’d like you to refine it further and present again.” In other words, we hadn’t quite hit the mark. Some took this feedback in stride, while others grappled with disappointment and sadness.

I marvelled at my non-native English-speaking Korean and French course mates who had to work extra hard, to not only get the history, but the right choice of words at some juncture. If I had put in five hours of studying, I know they had doubled the time for sure. I salute them for their perseverance and devotion.

Mentors would also pose thought-provoking questions that left us momentarily stumped. How could we not know the answer? Those probing questions made our research quest even more purposeful! Yet, we learned to gracefully admit, when the scope of questioning by visitors exceeded the confines of our museum information boards.

Enthusiastic course mates in front of the MV room (photo: Sarjit Kaur)

Student vs Adult Learner

Reflecting on my history books, I realise they often focused on the ‘what’ and ‘when ‘. The dates, events and names were etched into our memory. But what about the ‘whys’ and ‘how’s’? Some questions were left unanswered.

How did Parameswara, the founder of Melaka, attract marine traffic to the Straits of Melaka. What strategic moves did he employ?

And the colonial powers, why did they vie for control over Melaka?

What were the British’s original plans for Malaya, what ignited their territorial expansion and how did they eventually acquire Malaya?

The answers lie beyond mere facts; they reside in the complex web of strategic motivations, decisions and historical context. As an adult learner, I now seek not just the surface knowledge but the underlying narratives – the stories behind the story.

My MV journey has ignited this curiosity, and I find myself exploring history with fresh and eager eyes, ears and spirit. In the halls of the museum, I continue my quest – a voyage that transcends dates and embraces the essence of the human experience.

Following MV Guides

We were required to attend a total of three MV guides, at the minimum. I eagerly learnt from each. Every guide possessed a distinct brilliance. And yet beneath their uniqueness, a common thread bound them all – the MV credential! It was more than a badge, it was a mark of dedication earned through countless hours of exploration, study and training.

MV Guiding in process (photo: Sarjit Kaur)

It’s My Story Too

As I delved into the museum’s exhibits, I realized that it wasn’t just ‘His-Story’, it was My-Story too! The rubber diorama and the mining displays, held echoes of my ancestors’ lives. Reading about their migration journey to Malaya stirred a profound sense of honour and appreciation. Their struggles, sacrifices and vision for a lasting legacy that became tangible. And that was my conviction – to learn and know more, as I was part of them.

Eye for Detail

My first assignment which centred around the Dutch East India Company armchair, opened my eyes to the intricacies of craftsmanship. The iconography of eagle, flora, fauna, dragon and grounded claws spoke of cultural fusion, blending Javanese and Dutch influences. It was like deciphering a hidden language embedded in its wooden and rattan materials. I see works of art in a different light now, appreciating the details that would have escaped my senses before.

The dutch heritage – an armchair (photo: Sarjit Kaur)

Building Research Capability

Our assignments demanded rigorous research. While the museum boards provided authoritative information, our additional research added depth. My greatest hurdle was connecting the dots, the stories. The ‘what, when, why and how’. That’s when I turn to my trainers and mentor who patiently guided me through.

I didn’t know where to begin on my 7-minute assignment on ‘Education in Malaysia’ in Gallery D. And where do I end … education being the catalyst to creating writers and poets who opened minds? Or education paving the way to independence?

I approached Rama outside the corridor of our MV room. He had delved and written much on this topic. With his scholarly aura, he shared his treasured weapon – the Andaya & Andaya book on ‘A History of Malaysia’. “Read it”, he urged and explore the various themes and angles that await you. Like a guardian of wisdom, his time was precious, yet he generously shared the essence that just roller coaster-ed me to research and read more.

Nurturing the Love for Reading

Historical reading materials and books have steadily become my companions. The MV Library and ‘Kinokuniya’ in KLCC were the harbour for historical collections. Our helpful and knowledgeable MV librarians, Lai Meng and Jean guided us to the right books for our assignments and leisure reading.

Becoming a Storyteller

Relating history through story-telling is definitely an art. Further, the intricate dance of weaving continuity in the story-line from one artefact to another, and one gallery to another, is another skill to master. Over time, I moved from a mere historical fact regurgitator into a storyteller.

Animation and drama have been my family traits, often unravelling during our gatherings. Coming from a family of ten siblings, only the best story tellers had the luxury of extra time and space at the family’s hall of fame. Now, I channel this feature into the museum. Witnessing my audience becoming immersed in the subjects – whether discussing the weighty Gallery C’s Colonial era or other captivating chronicles, brings me great joy.

Inquiries

Visitors’ questions have become my compass for further exploration. One recurring inquiry is, “Is this real or a replica?” Other questions like “Who were the early map makers or cartographers for East Indies?” has led me down to fascinating research paths. It’s a reminder that curiosity fuels learning.

The Museum Comes Alive

I realise that gradually, the museum was coming alive for me. Well, a symbolical representation of ‘Night at the Museum’ on the silver screen. I began to see them in reality. They took shape and form in my world, outside the museum.

Take the 35-kilometer stretch between Bali and Lombok divided by the Wallace line. A mere sea tranche separates them, yet it contrasts ecosystems. I was brought to Sanur, Bali’s eastern embrace in January this year, and stood there appreciating the subtle distinction etched by tides and currents. I saw varying Makaras adorning Balinese homes, hotels, and shopfronts – a testament to their enduring Hindu culture.

And then, an adventure trip to Perak including ‘Gua Tempurung’ manifested, inspired by the numerous visits to the cave diorama in Gallery A with the almost complete skeleton of a homo sapien called ‘Perak Man’.

Together with my daughter, our tour guide led us to venture into the cave’s depths with cave paintings whispering ancient sagas and high burial grounds echoing forgotten rites. In pitch-black corners, where history hid during the Japanese occupation, I glimpsed resilience in the ordinary folks who had to leave their homes to find salvage there.

Mentorship: A Guiding Light

The mentor is silent yet pivotal, who threads through our museum journey. My mentor was Deborah or Debbie, who invested precious time, dedication and commitment. Together, she navigated mentees, through the labyrinth of galleries and refined our presentations. When we lacked substance for certain vitrines, she shared materials and guided a revisit of narratives until they bore the quality stamp of an MV guide. Her encouraging smile and silent clap in the background, always lights us up!

In those hallowed and dim halls, mentors assessed our presentations. They listened patiently, as we stumble through explanations, shaping us into storytellers. Their dedication mirrors the artefacts – the unseen support that upholds the museum’s magic.

The final stamp of – You Passed! from Debbie came when I completed all 4 galleries in March 2024. It was a milestone, manifesting what seemed like a distant dream! It slowly opened doors to the MV community group and focus talks.

After a mentoring session by Debbie (photo: Sarjit Kaur)

A Grateful Journey

My journey has been woven with threads of inspiration, resilience and growth. Amidst the twists and turns, there stands a pivotal figure who had shaped my path. Kulwant, an MV, encouraged me to explore this trail.

She is my sister, confidante and teacher! Whether it was poring over research materials or books, she stood by me and guided all the way. As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude. Our shared voyage in the museum, is etched in my heart as one of life’s cherished highlights.

My Guiding Journey

As MVs, we embrace the essence of the ‘Tepak Sirih’ or betel nut set caricature – extending warm hospitality to those who step into our historical haven.

On my maiden guide, a visitor from Arizona pleasantly remarked, “You brought the museum alive.” The 6-month odyssey, the midnight toil, the stress – it was worth every moment! My guiding journey has just begun. I see a trove of learning, exploration and deepening wisdom lying ahead.

The Secret

“Let the vitrines speak through you”

Our legendary lecturer, Jega once shared a secret, “Let the vitrines speak through you”. While I am not there yet, I can feel the vibration of his words lighting my path. Like ancient sages, the vitrines whisper their tales through us. Their voices echo across time, carrying a gentle breeze of curiosity and wonderment. Each glass case becomes an energetic portal, just waiting for the guide to unleash the mystery behind the history.