Eurasian Roots

JULIA D'SILVA USED to get upset whenever people asked her what an Eurasian was, and if she was Singaporean. These days, she sees it as an opportunity to explain her ethnicity, but laments that many young Singaporeans are even less familiar with Eurasians than before.

The retired civil servant, who is also the chairperson of the heritage and culture sub-committee at the Eurasian Association, wants people to visit the soon-to-reopen Eurasian Heritage Gallery to get an insight into this ethnic group, which today numbers about 15,000 or about 0.4 per cent of the population.

While small in number, Eurasians - who have both European and Asian ancestries - have a long history in Singapore. The paternal European lineage was primarily Portuguese, Dutch and British, while the maternal Asian connection was largely native Malay, Indian and Chinese. Eurasian surnames, such as Van der Beek and Wilkes, are the first indication of their roots.

A tour of the gallery begins with this historical explanation, as well as details of where the Eurasians settled, usually around the Bras Basah area, Farrer Park and East Coast.

The aptly titled My Grandfather's Road section highlights streets in Singapore that have been named after famous Eurasians.

The contributions of prominent Eurasians in Singapore's history such as author Rex Shelley, lawyer and MP Edward Barker and President Benjamin Sheares are chronicled as well.

The daily lives of Eurasian families are showcased in a third gallery, distinctive for their Asian kitchens and dining tables set in Western style.

Over 130 artefacts housed in the gallery have been donated by the Eurasian community, including the Order of Temasek medal from the family of the late President Sheares.

There's also an old telephone that Theresa Veronica Pereira used to make the first international direct call to London, as well as vintage wedding gowns, dresses, and a European dining set. The oldest exhibit is a three-tier cake stand from 1912.

Ms d'Silva says that apart from showcasing what Eurasians have done for Singapore, "we are just as Singaporean as anyone else."

The gallery is easy to navigate on your own or you can pick a guided tour. There are packages that include treats like sugee cake or Eurasian food sampling, or a cooking demonstration.

The Eurasian Heritage Gallery is located at 139 Ceylon Road, and is open to the public from Sep 22. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm, Tues to Sun. Email gallery@eurasians.org for tour bookings.