Hu Shih Memorial Hall

Hu Shih was a pioneer in advocating liberalism, influenced in his thinking by Huxley and Dewey. He claimed that Huxley taught him how to doubt, and Mr. Dewey taught him how to think. Throughout his life, he advocated academic methods such as 'bold hypotheses, careful verification' and 'every statement must be supported by evidence.' He served as Ambassador to the United States, President of Peking University, and President of Academia Sinica. The Hu Shih Memorial Hall was originally his residence in Nangang (1958-1962) when he returned to Taiwan in his later years to assume the presidency of Academia Sinica. After Mr. Hu Shih passed away on February 24, 1962, the Academia Sinica Council approved that 'Mr. Hu Shih's former residence be used entirely as the Hu Shih Memorial Hall.' Subsequently, the 'Hu Shih Memorial Hall Management Committee' was established, and the Hu Shih Memorial Hall was officially inaugurated on December 10 of the same year; in January 1998, it was reorganized under the Institute of Modern History. The Hu Shih Memorial Hall comprises three parts: first, Mr. Hu Shih's Nangang residence (1958-1962) when he returned to Taiwan in his later years to serve as President of Academia Sinica, which is the Former Residence of Hu Shih in Taipei. The architecture, corridors, furnishings, and overall layout of the former residence largely retain the original appearance of his daily life. Second is the exhibition hall, built in 1964 with a donation from C. V. Starr of the American International Group, displaying Mr. Hu Shih's writings, manuscripts, photographs, relics, memorabilia, and a documentary about Hu Shih in Taiwan. Third is Hu Shih's tomb. The tomb area was expanded into 'Hu Shih Park' in 1974. The park ascends gradually along the hills, with winding paths and lush shade, offering tranquil mountain and forest scenery. Since its opening, visitors from both Taiwan and abroad, drawn by its reputation, come to pay their respects at the tomb and also enjoy the scenic views and elevated landscape.