The river of history flows on and on
Every Small Power Is the Star Dust in Time
When the Star Dust Gathered, the Spark of Cultural Inheritance Was Ignited
The 160 "Libo Red" volunteers, like warm sparks dancing in Shanghai's cultural tapestry, have devoted their passion and expertise to advancing China's modernization drive and elevating museum volunteerism to new heights. As we celebrate this day of dedication and camaraderie, let us collectively revisit the most memorable volunteer moments of 2025.
Silent numbers, witness the original passion
As of November 2025, Libo Hong has delivered nearly 2,700 public interpretation sessions, accumulating 15,000 hours of service and engaging over 2,700 volunteers. Each of these figures reflects the volunteers' heartfelt dedication to their original mission through concrete actions.
• Volunteer in the Lecture Post-The "Ferryman" of History
Wearing their "Little Bees" daily, these guides transform silent artifacts into vivid narratives through profound knowledge and captivating storytelling. Defying the constraints of permanent exhibitions, they actively explore new frontiers, having delivered over 800 guided tours for special exhibitions including "The Path of Self-Strengthening and Rise: Shanghai Shipbuilding Industry Cultural Relics Exhibition", "Peach Blossom Stones at Helan Mountain: Western Xia Cultural Treasures", and "United Hearts for the Golden Bowl: Commemorating 80 Years of Taiwan's Retrocession and Anti-Japanese History". Through their narratives, long-buried history comes alive, engaging audiences in a timeless dialogue across time and space.
• Volunteer in the Activity Post-The "Inventor" of Education
They are not merely event organizers but also curriculum designers. Through their independent development of signature programs like "Clay Art Workshop: Mastering Golden Snake Creation," "The Hundred-Child Sedan: Vermilion Gold Lacquer Wood Carving," and "Shanghai Peach Origins Exploration," they participate in every phase from planning to execution. To date, they have led over 50 educational events, all packed to the rafters and widely acclaimed. With their professional expertise and enduring passion, they have become the indispensable "behind-the-scenes force" in museum public education.
• Volunteer Guidance Post-the "Guardian" of the Exhibition Hall
As the most heartwarming pillars of the museum community, they provide attentive guidance with exceptional patience and dedication. With warm hospitality, they welcome visitors from all over, swiftly adapting to any changes in the exhibition layout to help visitors find the most efficient routes. Their efforts in supporting museum operations make them the most reliable 'living map' for the public during their visits.
Demonstrating leadership and engaging diverse communities
The legacy of "Libo Red" has transcended museum walls. The "Libo Lecture Group" delivers meticulously crafted programs to schools, transporting children through time to the wartime radio communication battlefield of the Anti-Japanese War. Their military outreach initiatives, featuring lectures like "Red Communications in Shikumen (Shanghai's historic shophouses)," rekindle historical conviction in modern barracks. Volunteers also engage in public markets, bridging cultural heritage with urban communities through vibrant street dialogues. This year, they appeared on Shanghai People's Broadcasting Station's "Direct to 990," sharing service philosophies and volunteer tips via radio broadcasts, amplifying the voice of cultural heritage and volunteerism across broader horizons.
Tracing the city's texture through its streets and alleys
By November 2025, the Citywalk instructor team had organized nearly 100 urban walking events, creating a route network covering diverse themes such as "The People's Square Loop," "Walking Nanjing Road," "Secret Struggles in the Lane," "Mei Lanfang's Stage Map," and "Museum Architecture Guide." While cultivating this rich cultural foundation, the volunteer team continuously innovates, developing the "Marine Light and Shadow: Modern Film Culture Map" to immerse audiences in the cultural pulse of Shanghai's modern cinema. Notably, the "Mei Lanfang's Shanghai Stage Map" was recognized as one of the 10 outstanding routes in the Second Cultural Heritage Study Program, while "Secret Struggles in the Lane" was included in Shanghai's "Party Lecture Series Matrix." Multiple routes were also honored as key "City Narration" volunteer service projects. Through their footsteps, volunteers have connected the city's imprints, reviving the flow of sealed history through its alleys and lanes.
Use language as a bridge to spread China stories
To foster a diverse exchange platform and elevate international service standards, our museum launched a dedicated English volunteer recruitment drive in the latter half of this year, forming a high-caliber English interpretation volunteer team. The team comprises outstanding bilingual professionals and university faculty with cross-cultural expertise, while inviting specialists from relevant fields to contribute to the compilation of English scripts, ensuring robust academic support for the interpretation content. To date, the team has conducted over ten English interpretation sessions, earning unanimous praise from participants. By bridging languages and weaving history into narratives, the interpreters actively engage in international cultural dissemination, allowing global visitors to experience the unique allure of Shanghai's history and Haipai culture.
New Generation of the Times, New Voices of "Wave"
This summer, a fresh wave of energy has emerged at the Shanghai History Museum. Following the successful conclusion of the "Little Waves" Youth Cultural Communication Elite Program, the first batch of young volunteer guides have officially become cultural ambassadors of Shanghai's history. With youthful voices, they have dedicated themselves to public interpretation, using their innocent perspectives and vivid language to deliver 40 special exhibition tours, serving over 800 visitors. Their efforts have injected vibrant energy into the mission of "telling Shanghai's stories well."
Thank you
With an ordinary body...
Weaving the Cultural Landscape of Shanghai's History
On the 40th International Volunteer Day
To every volunteer of "Libo Hong"
Zhi with the most sincere thanks and respect
Because of you, history has warmth
It is because of you that culture is passed on through storytelling!
