East London residents are invited to celebrate 100 years of the proclamation of the East London Museum on Thursday November 28.
The exciting itinerary is filled with a full day of activities taking place in and around the museum.
Some of these activities include a special theatrical play, chronicling journey through the museum’s history, a series of guided museum tours by Kevin Cole, as well as a special museum history talk by Prof Mike Bruton in the evening.
Museum director Geraldine Morcom said celebrating this milestone with an event that the community could participate in was important because the role that the community played in keeping the museum up and running was undeniable.
“This is a celebration of the 100 years of proclamation of the East London Museum. It is the community that gives meaning to the work we do as a museum, and it is only fitting that we would like the community to join us in celebrating this historic milestone.
“Through the celebration, we would like to recognise those who came before us and laid the foundation of the museum, and those who, through their dedication, passion and support, have enabled the museum to flourish. With ongoing support from the community, the museum looks forward to many years ahead,” Morcom said.
Established in 1924, the East London Museum is considered to be one of the country’s most interesting and cultural history museums. It holds some of East London’s richest treasures like the type specimen of the coelacanth, a fish previously believed to have become extinct some 80 million years ago, and an extensive collection of beadwork relating to the Xhosa-speaking people.
The mounted skeleton of Kannemeyriasimocephalus, which dates back to between 200 and 270 million years is also one of the most significant displays at the museum.
Along with the coelacanth, some of the museum’s most popular displays to look out for include, the German homestead, the Nahoon footprints, Grosvenor display and the dodo egg.
The annual Umtiza Arts Festival, which is a collaborative effort between the Guild Theatre, Ann Bryant Art Gallery and East London Museum, has created more public interest in what the East London Museum has to offer.
The museum has also been a big part of education, with thousands of pupils visiting each year.
In September 2024, more than 3,200 pupils and teachers from more than 100 schools were welcomed at the museum in three days.
Friends of East London Museum committee chair Claire Macdonald said her favourite thing about her involvement with the museum was interacting with the different people who visited every year.
“Whenever I tell people I’m involved with the museum, they’re either intrigued if they haven’t visited or they want to tell you how much they love the museum and have fond childhood and school memories of the museum. As the museum continues to develop it’s positive to see the museum reflect the community and history.
“My favourite part of being involved in the museum are the people. I love how passionate they are and how they recognise the significance of our museum. The staff and the board are also proud to be part of this special place. So, to all our supporters, young, old, families, just keep visiting, spreading the word and be proud of our unique museum. We wouldn’t survive without you,” Macdonald said.
