istory has often been a dreaded subject, confined sometimes to the pages of textbooks and often to silent displays at traditional museums. However, the National History Museum in Lahore is rewriting the narrative. It makes history an engaging and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. Located in the picturesque Greater Iqbal Park, the museum — the first such digital facility in Pakistan — is setting a trend for those interested in the ways to preserve and share history.

The museum management arranged a workshop for journalists last week. As the delegation stepped into the museum, cheerful guides were there to welcome them and lead them through a journey into Pakistan’s past.

Hifza Shaheen, one such guide, introduced the museum as “Pakistan’s first digital interactive museum where oral history meets cutting-edge technology.” She said they aimed “to revive the storytelling culture and let people experience history instead of just reading about it.”

The museum showcases pre-independence history of the region from the East India Company era as well as the post-independence history of the country till the 1960s. Using holograms, virtual reality and audiovisual aids, it brings to life the stories of migration, settlement and nation-building. As Alezah Khalid, the museum director, put it, “This is not just a museum; it’s an alternative learning space where history comes alive.”

The delegation’s journey began in Section 1, which showcases the history of the subcontinent from the arrival of the East India Company to the genesis and progress of the Pakistan Movement. Interactive screens and audiovisual displays took the visitors through the Lahore Resolution of 1940, the Gandhi-Jinnah talks in 1944 and the Indian Independence Act of 1947.

One visitor said, “It is as if I just saw the All India Muslim League convention of 1940. History is unfolding before my eyes.”

Moving into Section 2, the visitors witnessed scenes from the harrowing days of Partition. This section displays the largest migration in human history through oral accounts and video displays. The diorama of Wagha railway station stood out. It looked like a haunting platform depicting the arrival of refugees to Pakistan braving the chaos and violence of Partition. Through 3-D virtual reality, the delegation boarded a train carriage and experienced the journey of those fleeing their homes. “We had earlier learnt history from textbooks alone,” one visitor said, “but here, we had lived it.”

Guide Hifza also took the visitors’ questions. She said, “You can see, feel and listen to history. It is no longer a one-sided narrative; it is a dialogue.”

One of the museum’s most captivating features is a hologram of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Dressed in his signature sherwani, he is seen standing tall and delivering an eloquent speech in immaculate English. Visitors can take a photograph with the holographic Jinnah. They are provided a black and white print of the photograph. It looks like a souvenir from the past to be displayed in the present.

In Section 3, the focus is on post-independence Pakistan. The displays include replicas of the two typewriters allocated to the nascent state. One can also see early passports and coins. One of the exhibits is the refugees’ stories preserved through audio-visual aids, offering a glimpse into the resilience of those who built a new nation from scratch.

The museum showcases pre-independence history of the region from the East India Company era as well as post-independence history of the country till the 1960s. Using holograms, virtual reality and audiovisual aids, the museum brings to life the stories of migration, settlement and nation-building.

Section 4 is about the popular culture in those days. It showcases the evolution of cinema, music, and traditional crafts. The history of Pakistani cinema is told from 1960. The visitors can watch clips from iconic Pakistani films and listen to timeless songs of that era. “This section is a celebration of our creative heritage,” said Hifza.

The museum has also dedicated space to honour the nation’s unsung heroes. A Leaders’ Wall features portraits of several well-known and some less-known figures from the Pakistan Movement. “These are people who shaped our history,” Hifza said. “It’s important to recognise their contributions.”

Sports enthusiasts find Section 5 equally enthralling. This section chronicles Pakistan’s achievements in sports, with portraits and busts of legendary athletes. From cricket to hockey, it celebrates the nation’s victories on the global stage. Remember, Pakistan won an Olympic gold medal in hockey in 1960. Arshad Nadeem’s medal in the recent Olympic Games revived the memory of days when winning Olympic medals was a realistic expectation for Pakistani athletes.

“The museum is committed to educating the younger generations. Through workshops, summer schools and interactive exhibits, it makes history more accessible and the learning environment dynamic. “We host student groups from across the Punjab,” said Alezah. “It’s amazing to see children’s faces light up as they discover history in such an engaging way.”

One of the most memorable exhibits for children is the virtual reality experience of a young girl’s migration journey. “It is a story that resonates with everyone,” Hifza said. “Through her eyes, visitors understand the emotional and physical toll of Partition.”

The National History Museum is a project of the Parks and Horticulture Authority, Lahore. It is curated by the Citizens Archive of Pakistan. Opened to the public in 2018, it has become a hub for cultural events, discussions and collaborations. The museum’s amphitheater hosts regular events. Travelling exhibitions take its message beyond Lahore.

Alezah Khalid said collaboration was important to keep the museum in the swim. “We invite schools, organisations and individuals to partner with us. History belongs to everyone. It is our collective responsibility to preserve and share it.”

Before the conclusion of the tour, the delegation was taken to a multipurpose hall. Here, Alezah invited questions. A couple of the questions were about the reference material. A suggestion was made that source references should be displayed at the museum. Refreshments and a brief networking session concluded the tour.

As the group left the museum, it was clear to every participant that the National History Museum is more than just a repository of artifacts. “We want visitors to leave with a sense of connection,” Alezah said. “History is not just about what happened; it’s also about who we are and where we’re headed.”

For anyone seeking to learn about Pakistan’s history, the National History Museum is a place worth visiting.

The writer is a media veteran interested in politics, consumer rights and entrepreneurship