BY INDY MAEALASIA
THE Central Islands Provincial Government has officially taken ownership of the newly reconstructed House Number 1 Museum—the historic former residence of the first British Resident Commissioner, Sir Charles Morris Woodford.
In a handover ceremony held in Tulagi on Friday, 2nd May, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) formally handed over the building to Central Islands Province (CIP) Premier Michael Salini, in the presence of Tulagi residents.
In her keynote address, Minister for Culture and Tourism Choylin Douglas said the restored residence will become the Solomon Islands’ second museum.
“The House No. 1 project is an important national initiative to preserve our heritage and culture and to create an anchor for tourism development in this historic township. The island of Tulagi holds multiple layers of rich and significant history from its indigenous cultural heritage to its role as the first capital of Solomon Islands under British colonial administration, “she said.
She also highlighted Tulagi’s prominence in World War II and its place in the nation’s early commercial history, noting it was the site of the country’s first fish cannery.
Minister Douglas said the vision for the museum is to unite these diverse historical narratives in a way that educates, inspires, and connects future generations to the past while also attracting cultural tourism.
“We must know our history,” she emphasized. “While preserving it, we also invite visitors to experience Tulagi as a cultural and heritage destination.”
Now that the building has been handed over, MCT, the Central Islands Provincial Government, and other stakeholders will begin the next phase of the project—setting up the actual exhibitions.
“We will now begin the important work of collecting, curating and exhibiting historical materials that will bring this space to life,” she said.
Meanwhile, Premier Salini described the project as “historic” for both the province and the country.
“We gather here to witness an important event not only for Central Province but for the entire nation. The Number 1 House not only represents our colonial past but also the broader history of the Solomon Islands,” he said.
Perched atop a hill chosen by the Resident Commissioner in 1904, the reconstructed residence estimated to have cost SBD 3.9 million offers panoramic views of Tulagi Island and the surrounding seascape.
The building includes a reception area, office space, three bedrooms, storage rooms, and an external kitchen.
This project was made possible through the collective support of Central Island Provincial Government and the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening using the Provincial Capacity Provident Fund approach.
The tripartite memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, MPGIS and CIPG to jointly administer and implement this project.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
