Heritage museum would be good for Alberton
"It won’t be just a museum – it will be an information, education and inspiration centre.”
WITH Alberton’s rich history in mind, one cannot help but wonder why there is nothing like a museum in town to preserve the history for future generations.
On June 27, the RECORD paid a visit to Beverly-Ann Small, founder of the Alberton Heritage Society. She and Jerry Kobyzski, of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), shared their plans of turning the Old Town Hall in Alberton North into Alberton’s own museum. Beverly-Ann expressed her concern towards the Old Town Hall and how it has almost been destroyed to be transformed into additional city council offices.
She said: “This building is a part of Alberton’s heritage and it would be sinful to harm it. An excellent use of this space would be to establish a museum in tribute to Alberton’s heritage. It shall be called the Alberton Heritage Museum.”
The Heritage Society was established in 2009 by Beverly-Ann and Natasha Mendiz (who unfortunately is no longer with us) and it entails the preservation of South African history and the heritage of the people of Alberton.
The Old Town Hall was originally built in 1919, making it 98 years old this year. It is indeed a part of Alberton’s history, therefore it would be the perfect place to establish a museum, according to Beverly-Ann.
Jerry Kobyzski is an avid collector of antique electric and engineering equipment – so much so that, apparently, his house is so full, one can barely move around. Jerry wants to use all these items for the museum, along with countless other priceless antiques, which may be as old as South Africa itself. Many of these items have specifically been donated towards the potential development of Alberton’s museum.
“The purpose of this museum is not only to display these priceless artefacts but to share knowledge and history and hopefully inspire people, especially the youth, to do great things. Beverly-Ann and Jerry plan to invite various adept people with knowledge in different fields (such as geology, engineering and history) to do regular presentations to schools around Alberton.
“The town is losing out without this museum,” said Beverly-Ann. “This will present big learning opportunities to the youth and community of Alberton. It won’t be just a museum – it will be an information, education and inspiration centre.”
She added that the Old Town Hall is big enough to present opportunities to small businesses, as well. They may form part of the museum as convenience stalls (selling food, drinks, art, maps, souvenirs, and more) for tourists and visitors.
Beverly-Ann and Jerry promise the community that everyone will reap the benefits if they support this museum and that everyone will be amazed in some way. But, this cannot happen without the support of Alberton’s community members.
If you agree that the Alberton Heritage Museum is a great idea and would be beneficial to Alberton, or would like to express your support or donate suitable items toward the museum, don’t hesitate to give Beverly-Ann a call on 011 869 9417 or 083 379 6247.
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