Anglo-Boer War Museum

Anglo-Boer War Museum

Front view, with the National Women's Memorial in the background
Established	30 September 1931 [1]
Location	Bloemfontein, South Africa
Coordinates	29°08′26″S26°12′31″E / 29.1406°S 26.2086°E / -29.1406; 26.2086
Type	Military / War Museum
Director	Tokkie Pretorius
Website	www.anglo-boer.co.za

The Anglo-Boer War Museum (War Museum for short) is also known officially as the War Museum of the Boer Republics in Bloemfontein. It is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to the Anglo-Boer Wars (South African War) of 1899 to 1902. The museum has a unique art collection, dioramas and exhibits but also brings the visitor closer to understanding the background against which the war took place. ^[2] The National Women's Monument dedicated to all women and children is situated at the same location and was unveiled in 1913.

History of the museum

It was the National Women’s Memorial Committee which came up with the idea that a museum, solely dedicated to the preservation of the Anglo-Boer War history and objects be established. ^[3] Frans Soff ^[4] was the architect commissioned to design the building and on 26 April 1930 the cornerstone of the War Museum was laid by Senator W.J.C. Brebner with Reverend Professor Dr. J.D Kestell, a Boer chaplain during the Boer War and the person whom the town of Kestell is named after, opened the ceremony with a prayer. ^[5]

On 30 September 1931 the museum was opened by the first prime minister of the Union of South Africa, General J. B. M. Hertzog.

See also

• National Women's Monument
• Anglo-Boer War Memorial

References

1. "History". Anglo-Boer War Museum. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
2. "The War Museum of the Boer Republics" (PDF). Department of Arts and Culture. Retrieved 3 June 2013.^{[ permanent dead link ]}
3. "National Heritage Council, War Museum of Boer Republics, Afrikaans Language Museum: Annual Reports & Strategic Plan | PMG". pmg.org.za. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
4. "SOFF, Francois (Frans)". www.artefacts.co.za. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
5. Strauss, Piet (2017). "JD Kestell as veldprediker 1899-1902". Contree: A journal of Historical and Human Sciences for Southern Africa. ISSN   0379-9867.