From responsibility to passion
Born in Thach Khoi ward (old Hai Duong province, now Hai Phong city), Mr. Pham Quy Mui grew up in the cradle of Eastern culture, which marked many important historical events. With love for his homeland and deep knowledge of the land of Thanh Dong, he followed the first days of his work. He has held many positions in the propaganda sector, then took on the position of Director of the Political Training Center of Hai Duong City (old).
During those years, he soon realized that recording and preserving local history was extremely important, not only for the present but also for future generations to understand and be proud of their homeland's traditions. That is what motivated him to start his journey to research, collect documents, and talk with historical witnesses to clarify many events and milestones.
When he retired, Mr. Mui still spent most of his time editing, compiling, and completing historical documents. For him, writing history is a passion, and at the same time a gratitude to the land where he was born and raised.
The first book that Mr. Pham Quy Mui wrote was "Drawling the history of the Hai Duong Town Party Committee", published in 1988. That was the time when everything was still done by hand: He had to write by hand, edit each page of the original on paper, then bring it to the printing factory on Dien Bien Phu Street to type each word, printing with a traditional typewriter.
After more than 37 years, that draft book and many valuable historical documents about Hai Duong are still being cared for, continuously edited and supplemented by him. He shared: "I want to record some things I have known about our land so that in the future, the young generation, those who love their homeland and want to learn, will supplement it to be full and rich".
Imprints left for his homeland
After more than half a century of being attached to the book, Mr. Mui has left behind works of special value in the history and culture of Thanh Dong. In 1994, he edited the book "History of Hai Duong Town", marking an important step forward in systematizing local history. The book is not only based on the foundation of the "Drawling of the History of the Hai Duong Town Party Committee" but also expands many contents: From the process of establishing Dong Citadel in 1804, historical relics, cultural figures, to the contributions of this land in the revolution and resistance war.
Three years later, in 1997, he continued to edited "History of Hai Duong Town - Group 2" focusing on the period from 1954 to 1997. This is a project of great significance, providing a source of accurate documents for Hai Duong City to choose October 30 as a double anniversary: the founding day of Thanh Dong and the city liberation day. Based on this data, the local government also decided to name many streets after historical figures mentioned in the book such as Nguyen Trac Luan, Dang Quoc Chinh, Bach Nang Thi, Pham Ngoc Khanh...
Not stopping there, in 2017, he continued to contribute to editing and compiling the book "History of the Hai Duong City Party Committee 1930 - 2015", in which he accurately determined August 26, 1930 - the time of the establishment of the first Party Cell of the city. He also collaborated in writing the history of the Party Committees of many wards such as Tu Minh, Hai Tan, Thach Khoi, Ngoc Chau... Each book was written by him in a scientific and meticulous spirit, ensuring the authenticity of the documents.
Now over 80 years old, but in a small, quiet house, he still works hard with new pages of documents. For more than half of his life, he not only recorded events but also sent there the love of his homeland and the desire to inspire the younger generation. He believes: They are dynamic, have a quick access to science and technology. But most importantly, they need to maintain their ethics - that is the root of being an cadre.
Looking back on that journey, it can be seen that Mr. Mui is not only a local historical researcher, but also an inspiration to love his homeland and appreciate traditional values. The works he left behind will forever be a valuable spiritual asset, helping today's and future generations better understand the land of Thanh Dong - the place that created many special moments of history.
