THE Uitenhage Historical Museum, which comprises the Drostdy and Old Railway Station, as well as the Cuyler Manor farm museum, invites those with an interest in history and heritage to render their services to the board of trustees on a voluntary basis.
The museum is a public benefit organisation, as well as a non-profit organisation, and must have seven members on the board of trustees, but owing to COVID-19 and various other circumstances it currently has only three active members.
“We are in need of people who are willing to serve on the board of trustees of the Uitenhage Historical Museum, as well as Friends of the Museum,” said Balise Mvoko, Curator of the Uitenhage Historical Museum.
“For the board of trustees, we are looking at people who would have a definite interest in museums and have special knowledge or experience in the fields of history, anthropology, public service management, research, law, architectureand education, as well as natural science.
“This is as the board of trustees is tasked with the governance of the museum. The trustees also have a memorandum of understanding between the museum and the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture which funds the museum.
“The board of trustees have to see to the allocation of funds received from the Department and also have to oversee risk management and other aspects of the museum.”
Friends of the Museum
Apart from board members, there also is a need for Friends of the Museum. The main function of this group is to organise events to get the community involved with the museum, by means of fundraising projects and marketing the museum.
“They will also have to organise memorial lectures and handle the opening of exhibitions and are more active than the board. These Friends can be individuals, couples and even corporates who would like to support our local museum.”
The services of both the board of trustee members and as Friends of the Museum are voluntary with no financial benefit, and their aim should be to advance the core business of the museum.
- Those interested to get involved at the museum can collect application forms at the Drostdy Museum in Caledon Street, Kariega, or call Balise Mvoko at 041 992 2063 or email uitenhagemuseum@intekom.co.za to receive the forms electronically.
