The Uitenhage Historical Museum launched a community-driven initiative recently, calling upon history enthusiasts and cultural advocates to join their newly established ‘Friends of the Museum’ programme.
The initiative, encompassing the Drostdy Museum, Cuyler Museum and Old Railway Station Museum, is aimed at creating a network of volunteers dedicated to preserving local heritage, whilst supporting educational and cultural activities.
Museum Manager, Balise Mvoko expressed enthusiasm about the new venture during the announcement. “We are calling on all those who are passionate about preserving history, supporting cultural education, and connecting with like-minded individuals. Uitenhage Historical Museum invites you to become an integral part of our vibrant museum community,” Mvoko said.
The ‘Friends of the Museum’ is described as a volunteer-driven group dedicated to supporting the museum complex through various activities. Members will assist in organising and participating in special events and exhibitions, including the popular Prickly Pear Festival, as well as helping with educational programmes and workshops.
According to Mvoko, volunteers will also provide support in the maintenance and preservation of exhibits, engage in fundraising efforts, and make applications to potential funders and donors on behalf of the Museum Board.
“Members will have the opportunity to make recommendations to the board regarding potential funding opportunities and improvements to our marketing activities,” Mvoko explained. “They can also participate in memorial lectures and volunteer with interesting tasks such as digitisation, addressing maintenance needs, and archiving.”
The Uitenhage Historical Museum, a significant cultural landmark in the Eastern Cape, comprises three distinct facilities. The Drostdy Museum, housed in a historic magistrate’s residence, the Cuyler Museum with its focus on local cultural artefacts, and the Old Railway Station Museum documenting the area’s rich railway heritage all stood to benefit from the new initiative.
In September last year, the museum launched the second phase of its exhibition on the establishment of Kariega – where calls to the public to contribute by sharing information, oral histories, written accounts, clips, captions, and photographs were made. The first phase of the exhibition covered several key areas, including the first people of Kariega (Pre-colonial), the expansion, the growth, the first farms and streets, the establishment of the municipality, and the town’s military history.
At the time, Mvoko told the UD Express that the purpose of the 2024/25 project is to transform the museum exhibitions, foster a sense of personal worth and identity within the community, encourage tolerance and respect for diverse cultures, traditions, views, and practices, and increase visitor figures, including learners and the elderly. “It is imperative for the museum to tell the story of the town’s founding and development. Currently, the exhibitions are more Eurocentric, leaving out other communities in the area. The primary aim of this project is to create a balanced narrative that accommodates the demographics of the community and reflects the untold stories of some communities,” Mvoko expressed at the time.
Mvoko indicated that interested community members could contact the museum directly at 041 9922 063 or email balise.mvoko@ecsrac.gov.za for more information about joining the ‘Friends of the Museum’ programme.
