Tracing the rich historical journey of Madang Province
Madang's history stretches back over 50,000 years with evidence of:
Archaeological finds in the Bismarck Range suggest some of the earliest agriculture in the world.
European contact brought significant changes:
Madang Town was established as Friedrich Wilhelmshafen in 1891.
Madang played a strategic role in the Pacific War:
The war brought destruction but also accelerated political awareness.
Since PNG's independence in 1975:
Madang has grown while maintaining its cultural diversity.
Evidence of early human habitation in the Madang area during the Pleistocene era.
Arrival of Austronesian-speaking peoples bringing distinctive pottery traditions to coastal areas.
Portuguese explorer Jorge de Meneses is the first European to sight the Madang coast.
Madang becomes part of German New Guinea, known as Friedrich Wilhelmshafen.
German colonial administration establishes the settlement now known as Madang Town.
Australian forces take control during World War I, beginning Australian administration.
Japanese forces capture Madang during World War II, occupying until 1944.
Madang becomes part of the newly independent Papua New Guinea.
Major restructuring of provincial governance under PNG's decentralization policy.
Madang is home to numerous significant historical sites and artifacts:
The Provincial Museum in Madang Town houses an important collection of artifacts spanning all historical periods.
Ancient Rock Art
Lapita Pottery
Stone Tools
Colonial Documents
WWII Relics
Traditional Carvings
19th Century Pottery Village Leader
Renowned traditional leader who established Bilbil Village's pottery trade networks with neighboring islands.
Methodist Missionary (1870-1945)
Established the first mission stations in Madang and documented local languages and customs.
Resistance Leader (1890-1912)
Led resistance against colonial occupation before negotiating peace and cultural preservation.
First Madang Governor (1935-2001)
Key figure in PNG's independence movement and first governor of Madang Province.
Discover more about Madang's fascinating past