Previously known as Government House, the Istana is the official residence of the President of Singpaore. Prior to Singapore's independence and the appointment of her own Head of State, Governemnt House , as it was known then, was hte official residence of the representative of the British Crown. The first British Governor to live in the Governemt House was Sir Harry St George Ord and Lady Ord. and the last esas Sir William Goode (1957-1959). On 3 June 1959 Sir William Goode became the Yang di-Pertuan Negara (Head of State) as Singapore was granted self- Government bt the British. When Singapore became a Republic in 1965, her Head of State was the President. The first Singaporean Head of State to reside in the Istana was Yusof bin Ishak, when he was the Yang di-Pertuan Negara from December 1959 to August 1965 and President of Singapore from 1965 to 1970. Today, the Istana is used for official functions and VIP resident guests of the country. Its grounds are open to members of the public on certain public holidays each year.
The files pertain mainly to administrative matters of Government House. Subject covered include speeches by the Governor, Honours and Awards, visits by foreign dignitaries, unifroms for Governemnt House staff, etc.
