h e r i t a g e / h i s t o r y
t h e e a r l y w e s t c o a s t
In the light of the declaration of the Cradle of Human Culture Route in April 2019, take time to reflect on the development of the area
Click to download the pdf
c r a d l e o f h u m a n c u l t u r e
The Artist's Journey in the #Weskus
www.cradleofhumanculture.co.za
www.cradleofhumanculture.co.za
h e r i t a g e r o u t e s
Click to download a pdf of a walk through history
or click to link to these routes
or click to link to these routes
a n h i s t o r i c a l a d v e n t u r e t h r o u g h H o p e f i e l d a n d e n v i r o n s
a m i s s i o n r o u t e
Mission stations that evolved into villages and towns were an essential part of the development of South Africa. Although the missionaries were driven by strong moral motivation, the cultural values of the indigenous peoples was mostly overwhelmed. Their reach in influence can still be felt today.
This leaflet describes some, but by no means all, in the region. Others like Hermon and Saron are also worth of a visit. |
Click to download the leaflet
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a s a n t r a i l
The 5 km trail winds along the Brandewyn River in the Agter Cederberg and visits 9 sites of rock art paintings, left behind by the San people, who inhabited the area for thousands of years. The Sevilla Rock Art Trail offers some of the finest examples of rock art in the district and a fascinating glimpse into the world of these early inhabitants.
A free pamphlet with information about each of the nine sites is available from Traveller's Rest Farm stall when booking. www.travellersrest.co.za |
c u l t u r a l
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p a l e o n t o l o g i c a l
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A centre of San culture and heritage that provides tailor-made education for young San women and men of Southern Africa. It aims to become a leading, sustainable Centre celebrating San Culture – past, present and future.
+27 (0)22 492 2998 info@khwattu.org www.khwattu.org |
When the West Coast was wild - the West Coast Fossil Park houses fossils of African bears, sabre-tooth cats, short-necked giraffes and many other exotic animals which inhabited the west coast area some five million years ago.
+27 (0)22 766 1606 info@fossilpark.org.za www.fossilpark.org.za |
m u s e u m s a n d c o l l e c t i o n s
44 Church Street, Calvinia
+27 (0)27 341 8500 |
Strand Street
The museum serves as an interpretation centre for the Diepkloof Rock Shelter, a Provincial Heritage Site. +27 (0)60 925 7476 Elandsbaymuseum@gmail.com |
The museum houses many historical artefacts informing the history of some of Clanwilliam’s best known industries such as Rooibos tea and shoemaking, pus local celebrities.
+27 (0)82 808 2251 cederbergtourism1@gmail.com www.clanwilliammuseum.webs.com |
Founded by a group of local farmers’ wives in 1978 to preserve the butter making history of the town, it has since grown into a comprehensive country museum.
Corner Pastorie and Hill Street +27 (0)22 492 3361 info@darlingtourism.co.za www.darlingmuseum.co.za www.facebook.com/darlingmuseum |
The original water mill in the village now houses the museum.
Church Street +27 (0)83 872 7149 toerismegoedverwacht@gmail.com www.goedverwacht.com/history |
The museum consists of artefacts found in and around Hopefield as well as donations by private entities, plus a small exhibition of fossils.
36 Voortrekker Road +27 (0)22 723 1720 lizellestrydom@hotmail.co.za |
The museum houses exhibits on old Lambert’s Bay, HMS Sybille gunboat (1901), photographic images, fish industry and community, book and Bible collection, archaeological display, horse mill and farm implements, clothes and embroidery.
27 Church Street +27 (0)27 432 1056 vanniekerktheresa6@gmail.com |
The museum houses a photographic history of the town, an interesting display on the Jewish History of the town plus a number of set pieces.
1 Prospect Street +27 (0)22 482 2332 malmesburymuseum@gmail.com www.facebook.com/MalmesburyMuseum |
Moorreesburg
Considered the most suitable place owing to its situation in the wheat area. The old DR Mission Church houses an excellent display of the history, and is also for education and other activities like music and dancing. Piketberg Road +27 (0)22 433 1093 kormuseum@wcaccess.co.za www.facebook.com/WheatIndustryMuseum |
The old synagogue and house next door are the museum, a home to a collection of household items bequeathed by local families. A complete archive, including original copies of school yearbooks, old photographs and minutes from community meetings held in the early 1900s.
10 Church Street +27 (0)22 913 2177 info@piketbergmuseum.co.za www.piketbergmuseum.co.za |
A permanent exhibition of rock painting art from the Groot Winterhoek mountains and surrounds and a nostalgic look at a world that reflects the day-to-day preoccupations of the parents, grandparents and great-grandparents of today's South Africans.
26 Mark Street +27 (0)22 931 3528 jdmuseum@telkomsa.net fb.me/Jan.Danckaert.Museum |
Riebeek Kasteel
A glimpse into the recorded history of the Valley's rich heritage, situated in the original church. Download a leaflet Church Street +27 (0)22 448 1584 riebeekvalleymuseum@telkomsa.net www.facebook.com/RiebeekValleyMuseum |
Riebeek West
The house in which General JC Smuts was born is a museum recreating the lifestyle that would have been prevalent during his early life. A separate barn houses records of his life. R311, PPC, Ongegund +27 (0)22 461 8000 |
Laaiplek
A unique museum in that it highlights the history of fishing on the West Coast from the whaling history to fishing and rock lobster catching. De Villiers Street (Laaiplek Hotel) +27 (0)22 783 2531 +27 (0)82 849 9251 seaquiz@mweb.co.za www.safisheriesmuseum.co.za |
Fred Turner Museum
Loeriesfontein One of two in the world dedicated to wind pumps. R357, Loeriesfontein +27 (0)27 662 1023 info@loeriesfontein.co.za |
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