The ancient Mon Kingdom controlled large swaths of lower Myanmar (Burma) and beyond during various points in the country's past. Conquests resulted in the establishment of cities like Bago and Thanton. The Mon were also responsible for bringing Theravada Buddhism to Burma, via their extensive seafaring.
However, their modern history has been a long struggle for self-rule, which has never borne fruit. During the Anglo-Burmese Wars, the Mon fought on the side of the British, hoping for assistance in rebuilding their kingdom, but they were sorely disappointed when the colonial government brought Burma under its rule. After World War II, the Mon pursued self-determination away from the rest of the country and were punished by the new military government.
The Mon Cultural Museum chronicles the history and the culture of the Mon through the ages, shedding light on their past. Unfortunately, most of the labels are in Burmese, though one can find the occasional English description.