Museums have the power to create unity on both a social and political level, but also on a local one. Local museums are able to provide a sense of community and place by celebrating a collective heritage, offering a great way to get to know the history of a particular area.

In celebration of Heritage Day we spoke to Paarl Museum’s Curator, Elvira Johannes, and asked her a few questions about the museum and its importance in the Paarl community.

 

 

Where did your love and passion for history start? How did you make this your career choice?

 

I have always had an interest in history and anything old and antique. Being a practical person and liking to interact with people I went working in the line of office administration. I started at the Huguenot Memorial Museum Franschhoek. Here my passion for history started to grow more and getting the local community to visit museums. I wanted to assist with transformation the public’s perspective of seeing museums as boring places to visit.

 

Are museums still relevant in today’s modern society?

 

Yes, museums are still relevant in today’s modern society, because it is not just the old presentation of many years back’s history that is in museums today. It is also modern day events - history is being made everyday.

 

Tell us about the history of Paarl Museum? When and why was it opened?

 

The museum is situated on what was originally a farm, granted to Pieter Janz van Marseveen by Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1699. In 1714 the Landdroste and Heemraden of Stellenbosch purchased the property as a site for the building of a parsonage for the Dutch Reformed Church of Drakenstein. Eleven ministers of the Thatched Roof Church (Strooidakkerk) resided in this building between approximately 1715 and 1872.

 

In 1872 the property was sold to Michiel Christiaan Vos Thom whose wagon building business was situated in the backyard of the previous parsonage. The property remained in the Thom family’s possession until 1924.

 

During the late 1920’s Gymnasium Secondary School used this building as a boys’ hostel, until Paarl’s Town Council purchased it. In 1939 the building was renovated and opened as the Huguenot Museum and in 1940 it was officially proclaimed.

The name was changed to the Old Parsonage Museum in 1969 and on the 1^st of March 1995, it was renamed as Paarl Museum. The theme of the museum is local history.

 

From your point of view what is the most special exhibit piece/ installation in the museum?

 

The bookshelf that was given to Rev van der Lingen as a present. He designed it himself, and it is made from 17 indigenous types of wood. The design is according to the Bible’s description of Solomon’s temple.

 

What is the most interesting historic story that you have heard or stumbled upon in all the time you have worked at Paarl Museum?

 

I have always been interested in the architecture of the old buildings, and not long after starting at Paarl Museum the fact that Paarl’s Gimnasium Primary has Egyptian symbols on its building.

 

How does a museum help us to transform how we see the future and reflect and shape our society?

 

By displaying and promoting the diverse collective heritage of Paarl for present and future generations. Also creating an awareness of social cohesion through experiences of the past.

 

 

What lessons does Paarl Museum help us learn from past events – the wonders as well as the tragedies?

 

That every one’s heritage is important and contributes to the history of our town.

 

 

Does Paarl Museum succeed in creating a sense of community by providing an environment where we can celebrate our collective heritage?

 

Yes, because here at the museum curriculum linked programmes are presented to

learners and public programmes to various community groups, which include indigenous heritage.

 

Is the rise of technology a challenge and danger to the museum?

 

It is a challenge but technology is to be incorporated and used to promote and present the museum to the public.

 

How can the community and public assist and contribute to the museum? How can we get involved?

 

The community can contribute by taking part in events and programmes at the museum and joining our association, ‘Friends of Paarl Museum’ as members.