Colesberg Kemper Museum
AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | Accommodation | Tourist Experiences | OPEN: Monday – Friday | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Facebook Page | Phone: +27 (0)51 753 0678
Introduction
Located in the heart of Colesberg, the Colesberg-Kemper Museum stands as a testament to the town’s rich history. What began as a modest collection of curiosities has evolved into a captivating repository, meticulously preserving local narratives and contemporary tales. The museum is a storyteller, beckoning visitors to immerse themselves in the unfolding saga of Colesberg’s past.
About the Museum
The museum is housed in a splendid example of early Karoo architecture, once the Colesberg Bank in 1861. Over the years, it has worn various hats, from Municipal Offices to its current role as a hub for local history. In 1975, the Historical Society took charge, transforming the old bank hall into a bustling Colesberg Information Office and the remaining rooms into the Colesberg-Kemper Museum.
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The museum boasts a diverse range of exhibits catering to visitor’s curiosity. From fossils dating back 250 million years, when South Africa’s first terrestrial reptiles roamed the Karoo, to a contemporary Karoo Nomad photographic exhibition curated by Professor Michael de Jongh and Riana Steyn from the Department of Anthropology at UNISA.
Interesting Facts
- Historic Architecture: The museum resides in a building that once served as the Colesberg Bank in 1861, later transformed into Municipal Offices before finding its current purpose as the Colesberg-Kemper Museum in 1975.
- Diverse Exhibits: From fossils dating back 250 million years to a contemporary Karoo Nomad photographic exhibition, the museum boasts a broad spectrum of exhibits. Personal narratives from Colesberg’s role in the 1980s struggle add a human touch to the historical collection.
- Lilian Ngoyi ‘Karretjie’ Coffee Shop: The old kitchen within the museum houses a charming coffee shop adorned with kitchen utensils from the past. It offers not just a culinary experience but a chance to step back in time with a display of a restored Cape Cart, a 19th-century horse-drawn hearse, and farm implements.
- Anglo-Boer War Artifacts: The museum’s collection includes intriguing objects and documents from the Anglo-Boer War period. Visitors can explore artifacts that tell the tales of intense battles that once raged around Colesberg, with names inscribed on graves and memorials in the Military Cemetery bearing witness to the town’s historical significance.
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Tourist Experiences
Make a trip of it and visit some of the other recommended museums, tourist attractions and experiences in the area.
Conclusion
The Colesberg-Kemper Museum is more than a repository of artifacts; it's a living testament to the layers of history that have shaped Colesberg. With its interactive approach, diverse exhibits, and a charming coffee shop, it offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Come, step into the past, and let the Colesberg-Kemper Museum be your guide through the fascinating stories that have woven the fabric of this remarkable town. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or a family seeking a unique outing, this museum invites you to explore, engage, and appreciate the rich heritage it preserves.
