Community’s assistance needed to preserve history at planned museum
The community is urged to support the project aimed at preserving history.
To preserve history, the Boksburg and East Rand Historical Association and the Boksburg City Improvement Project (CIP) are embarking on a project to renovate the NG Kerk Moedergemeente (Klipkerk) on Voortrekker Street and build a room for a museum on the church’s premises.
Derek Fox, from the CIP, said their vision is for the museum to hold historical items from the association, such as portraits from the 1920s, old mining equipment, books and Rotary items with a rich history.
Fox believes the church is the perfect facility for the museum because the Klipker is the second oldest building in Boksburg and will turn 130 next year.
“It’s a legacy project. The community needs to stand together to ensure history is preserved. Many beautiful old buildings in Boksburg are not maintained.”
Schools and residents can visit the facility for an educational experience.
“Even architecture students can come and see how the church was built. It can be a good educational experience for them,” added Fox.
According to Fox, the costs of the entire project will be R1.5m, of which R680 000 will go to the church’s restoration.
“We plan to improve the safety of the building by putting up palisades and fixing the roof, among other things.”
Fox urged community members to support their mission to conserve history for future generations.
“The assistance is vital. If we get a lot of support at our fundraising initiatives, we can also restore other historic buildings,” said Fox.
Tess Uren, chairperson of the Boksburg and East Rand Historical Association, said it is about time the items are displayed.
“I’m very excited about the planned museum. It is long overdue. The items have been stored in a storage facility where nobody can see them.
“We want to preserve history. We’ve got information about all kinds of people who lived in Boksburg, and we like to share information and educate.
“This museum can also be used for research purposes, and it can help learners with their school projects.”
Furthermore, Uren said the association is an NPO that meets monthly at Alan Woodrow Park.
“About 25 people attend the meeting, and we have speakers to address the attendees. It is very interactive. People are welcome to contribute and share what they know about Boksburg’s history. Many quirky things come out in these meetings, and people donate items like photos. Recently, we were given a photo of the royal visit in Port Elizabeth in 1947.”
Alta Prinsloo, part of the church’s restoration committee, thanked the stakeholders for helping to refurbish the historic building.
Fundraising market
There will be a fundraising Christmas market outside the church on December 16 from 10:00 to 16:00, with stalls and entertainment by Paul Nissen from Four Jacks and a Jill fame.
Attendees can expect great prizes and raffles.
For more information, call Derek on 082 886 0651.
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