THE Uitenhage Historical Museum, soon to be renamed the Kariega Historical Museum, is excited to announce the second phase of its exhibition on the establishment of Kariega.
Museum Manager, Balise Mvoko said, “We are reaching out to the public to contribute to this significant project by sharing information, oral histories, written accounts, clips, captions, and photographs.
“Your participation will be invaluable in enriching the exhibition and ensuring it reflects the diverse history of our community.”
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.
“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.
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.
The project aims to engage the Kariega community, the industry community, and various local structures.
The project will include research on the following areas, oral histories, exhibition panels, and
display cases: the establishment of industries such as Woolwashery (Gubb and Inggs), Brick-making, Goodyear, and VW; education, focusing on the first schools; religion, focusing on the first churches; sports and arts, including rugby, boxing, cricket, and music; and health, focusing on hospitals and clinics.
The following institutions and stakeholders will be participating in the project: Bayworld Museum, Red Location Museum, Inkqubela FM, MBDA, and Radio Yabantu. The project will employ various service providers, including a researcher and text writer, and an exhibition designer/exhibitor.
“We urge the public to come forward and contribute to this important project. Your stories, memories, and artefacts will help us create a comprehensive and inclusive exhibition that honours the rich history of Kariega,” Mvoko concluded.
For more info, contact Balise Mvoko on 041 992 2063 or email balise.mvoko@ecsrac.gov.za
