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Oude Kerk Volksmuseum - Tulbagh, Cape Winelands

The Oude Kerk Volksmuseum is part of a group of four museums in Tulbagh, which also include De Oude Drostdy, Die Ou Volksmuseum, and Die Schalkenbosch Museum, all working to conserve the region’s history. © Oude Kerk Volksmuseum

Oude Kerk Volksmuseum - Tulbagh, Cape Winelands

The Oude Kerk Volksmuseum is located in the historic town of Tulbagh in the Western Cape's Winelands, South Africa. The museum is housed in Tulbagh's oldest church building, the Old Dutch Reformed Church, which dates back to 1743. The church is a significant cultural landmark in the region, and the museum serves to preserve and showcase the rich history and heritage of the area.

Origins: The Oude Kerk, meaning "Old Church," was the first church built in Tulbagh and is a prime example of Cape Dutch architecture. It functioned as a place of worship until 1951 when a new church was built. Afterward, it was converted into a museum, where it now houses a collection of historical artifacts, documents, and exhibits related to the early settlers, the local community, and the town's religious history. The museum offers insights into the rural lifestyle of Tulbagh's past, featuring furniture, tools, and personal items that reflect the town’s rich cultural tapestry.

The Earthquake: One of the most defining moments in Tulbagh’s recent history was the devastating earthquake of 1969, which caused extensive damage to many buildings in the town, including the Old Church. On 29 September 1969 at 10:05pm, an earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, severely affected Tulbagh’s historical Church Street, which is known for its Cape Dutch houses. Restoration efforts took place after the quake, during which the church and many buildings were painstakingly restored to their original designs. The museum serves as a reminder of the earthquake and the resilience of the Tulbagh community in preserving their heritage.

Exhibits: The Oude Kerk Volksmuseum is part of a group of four museums in Tulbagh, which also include De Oude Drostdy, Die Ou Volksmuseum, and Die Schalkenbosch Museum, all working to conserve the region’s history. In addition to religious artifacts, the museum exhibits various aspects of Afrikaans cultural history, agricultural tools from the early days of farming in the valley, and educational displays about the 1969 earthquake and the town’s recovery.

Contact details for the Oude Kerk Volksmuseum:
Address: Church Street, Tulbagh, Western Cape, South Africa
Phone: +27 (0) 23 230 1041
Email: see website
Website: https://www.tulbaghmuseum.co.za


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