The Hout Bay Museum is planning a series of monthly talks to raise money to cover the costs of repairs to its leaking roof.
“Our roof and ceilings are in desperate need of repair. Our roof has cracks in it. As a result, water started leaking and damaged the ceilings. Our storeroom was also damaged during a rainstorm a month or so ago,” said museum manager Jonty Dreyer.
The museum opened in 1979 and has displays on the history of Hout Bay, the valley and its people, focusing on forestry, mining, tourism and the fishing industry. It gets an annual R700 000 subsidy from the provincial Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport for operational expenses, but, according to Mr Dreyer, reduced visitor numbers both during and after the pandemic have starved it of income.
The first talk will be in the museum hall, on Wednesday November 29, at 6pm. Professor Mike Burton will discuss the importance of Charles Darwin’s visit to the Cape of Good Hope in 1836.
“Any donations in cash or any kind will be welcomed, and it will help keep the doors open and preserve the heritage for future generations,” said Mr Dreyer.
He thanked the Scott Estate Baviaanskloof Community Improvement District for upgrading the museum hall and the museum’s website earlier this year.
For more information or to make a contribution, contact Mr Dreyer at hbmuseum@telkomsa.net or call 084 666 6970.
