On the afternoon of June 26, 2025, the Vietnam National Museum of History hosted a scientific conference titled "Identifying the Content, Historical Value, and Significance of the Golden Book of Nguyễn Ái Quốc School (1949–1950)".
The
event was co-organized by the Hồ Chí Minh National Academy of Politics, the
Vietnam National Museum of History, and the Central Theoretical Council.
Panoramic photograph of the conference
The conference was attended and chaired by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, a member of Politburo and Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, who also serves as the Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council. Co-chairing the event were Prof. Dr. Ta Ngoc Tan, a former member of the Party Central Committee and Standing Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Trung Y, Vice Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics; and Dr. Nguyen Van Doan, Director of the Vietnam National Museum of History.
The conference welcomed the participation of representatives from the leadership of key Party and State agencies, including the Department of Theoretical Affairs ( Central Commission for Propaganda Mass Mobilization); Institute of Organizational and Personnel Sciences (Central Organization Commission); the Vietnam National Museum of History; the Ho Chi Minh Museum; the Ho Chi Minh Presidential Relic Site; the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences; the Thang Long - Hanoi Cultural Heritage Association; the General Nguyen Chi Thanh Museum; leaders from Hồ Chí Minh National Academy of Politics, as well as relatives of senior Party leaders, revolutionary veterans, experts, and scholars.
Delivering the opening remarks at the conference, Professor Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang highlighted a significant event that took place nearly 76 years ago, in September 1949. At that time, the Nguyễn Ái Quốc Party School had the great honor of welcoming President Ho Chi Minh for a visit and to attend the opening ceremony of the second long-term theoretical training course. During his visit, President Ho Chi Minh left a meaningful message in the School’s Golden Book. He stated: "Study to work, to become a good person, and to become a cadre. Study to serve the organization, serve the working class and the people, serve the Fatherland and humanity. To achieve these goals, one must be diligent, thrifty, honest and impartial". The Golden Book of Nguyễn Ái Quốc School (1949- 1950) consists of 72 pages filled with invaluable handwritten instructions from President Ho Chi Minh, senior Party and State leaders, and insights from international guests. These messages have been addressed to generations of cadres and lecturers of the Nguyễn Ái Quốc Party School, which is now known as the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. .They provide profound guidance on the mission of cadre training and political education.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang delivering the opening remarks
The members of the Conference Chairing Panel (from left to right: Dr. Nguyen Van Doan; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Trung Y; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang; Prof. Dr. Ta Ngoc Tan).
The Golden Book of Nguyễn Ái Quốc School (1949–1950)
Dr. Nguyen Van Doan giving a speech at the conference
The Organizing Committee received over 30 papers from scholars working in central Party and State agencies, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, and research institutions. The presentations and discussions focused on key issues such as verifying the authenticity and value of the original artifact, analyzing the significance of the Golden Book in cadre training, and proposing solutions for its preservation and promotion in research, exhibitions, and education.
The papers unanimously agreed that the Golden Book of Nguyễn Ái Quốc School (1949–1950) is a unique and original artifact of exceptional ideological, historical, cultural, and educational value. It vividly reflects President Ho Chi Minh’s and Party leaders’ deep commitment to cadre training during the early years of the resistance against French colonialism. The messages and notes in the book not only demonstrate a strategic vision for Party building but also provide a lasting theoretical foundation for educating revolutionary ideals and developing a cadre team that is both politically dedicated and professionally skilled.
Ms. Nguyen Thanh Ha, daughter of General Nguyen Chi Thanh presenting a paper titled “Information on the Golden Book of the Central Party School Nguyễn Ái Quốc at the General Nguyen Chi Thanh Museum”
Ms. Ha Chi Nhan, daughter of revolutionary activist Hoang Quoc Viet donating the publication Following Uncle Ho to the Vietnam National Museum of History and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics
The Golden Book has been preserved at the Vietnam National Museum of History (formerly the Vietnam Revolutionary Museum) since 1959. Its outstanding value lies not only in its rarity and originality but also in the profound ideas expressed through the handwritten notes of 29 senior leaders of the Party and State, as well as international friends. Notable figures include President Ho Chi Minh, General Secretary Truong Chinh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong, General Nguyen Chi Thanh, comrades Nguyen Luong Bang, Hoang Quoc Viet, Dao Duy Ky, and Léo Figuères, a member of the Central Committee of the French Communist Party.
Ms. Le Thi Hong Thu, Deputy Head of Artifact Management Department at the Vietnam National Museum of History, presenting a paper titled “Verification Results on the Originality and Uniqueness of the Golden Book of Nguyễn Ái Quốc School (1949- 1950).
The research and verification of the handwritten notes in the Golden Book of Nguyễn Ái Quốc School (1949 -1950) were conducted with great care. This process involved cross-referencing original documents, manuscripts, and memoirs from Party leaders. Experts provided evaluations and support was received from relatives of Party and State leaders as well as revolutionary activists. The findings have clarified the origin, content, context, and exceptional value of the artifact.
The organizers with relatives of Party and State leaders and revolutionary activists taking a commemorative photo.
Conference participants unanimously agreed on the need to preserve and enhance the value of the Golden Book of Nguyễn Ái Quốc School (1949-1950). Proposed measures include preparing a scientific dossier for National Treasure recognition, implementing special conservation, digitizing content, and creating an electronic database for research, exhibitions, and education. Additionally, efforts should focus on raising awareness, organizing thematic exhibitions, developing teaching materials, and integrating the book’s content into political theory training programs.
Thu Hien