Background of Nan             Nan or Nanthaburi was the city state, situated in the Nan River Basin. The development of several localities in Nan Province could be dated to the Prehistoric Period when man still used stone implements.             However, the establishment of Nan Town took place after the 13th century A.D. At the same time the Thai people who lived in the Kok River Basin in the upper north and the community of Luang Phrabang in Lan Chang Kingdom. Were closely connected to each other, These towns were closely connected             Civilization related to the religious system found in Nan clearly indicated its intimate relationship with the Sukhothai Kingdom during the 14th Century A D.             Affter it had been annexed by the Lan Na Kingdom at the end of the 14th Century AD, the cultural appearance in Nan Town obviously reflected in Nan Town obviously reflected the influence of the Lan Na culture pattern.             The area of Nan Provice is in habited by several ethnic groups, i.e. the origin local Thai people, Tai-Lue, Hmong, Yoa, Thin, Mabri (Phi Tong Luang), etc.              Considering its geographical setting, Nan town is situated in the upper part pf the nan River Basin which adjoins the territory of the Lan Chang Kingdom in the Mekong Rivet Basin and the Choa Phraya River Basin. Hence, this is considered one of the historically significant stategic point both in the economic and political spheres. Its significance continued up to the Rattanakosin Period. History of the Museum              The Nan National Museum, is located at the original site of the palace of the Feudal Lord of Nan. The building was originally constructed by Phrachao Suriyaphong Pharitdeg, the Lord of Nan, in 1903 to replace for his former wooden residene. Afer the dearh of Chao Maha Brahma Surathada, the last Frudal Lord of Nan, his descendants donated this palace to the government in 1931 for use as the to provincial hall. In 1973 the Fine Arts Department was permitted to use this building and location for establishing the National Museum after the new provincial hall building had been provided by the Ministry of Interior.