Research Facilities
Archival Services
The archival collections consist of documents, photographs, rare newspapers, architectural drawings, historical maps and audio visual material. The Voortrekker Monument collection dates back from 1931 and the Afrikanerbond collection focuses on the period from 1918 – 1994. An extensive collection of photographs are available on the Anglo-Boer War, as well as unique material on the origin and design of the Voortrekker Monument.
Professional services include the preservation of archival material as well as the retrieval of information for research purposes. The archives are frequently visited by international researchers and are valued for its comprehensive material on the Afrikaner culture – from economics to education and language issues.
The collection policy includes the Great Trek, the Anglo Boer War, Afrikaner cultural organisations and personal collections that contribute towards the cultural and historical facets of the Afrikaans-speaking South Africans.
The archives can be visited during week days from 08:00 – 16:00. An entrance fee is due, as well as fees for the different services rendered.
The archives can be visited during the week between 08:00 – 16:00. An entrance fee as well as fees for the different services rendered is payable.
Enquiries:
Zabeth Botha
Tel: 012 325 7885; 012 323 9050
E-mail: argief@es.org.za
The SP Engelbrect Museum of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk in Afrika may also render relevant archival records and is worth a visit.
Contact their archivist:
Mr Nandor Sarkady
Tel: 012 322 8885 x 204.
http://www.nhk.co.za/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1258&Itemid=634
Genealogical Research
Services
The Northern Transvaal Branch of the Genealogical Society of South Africa houses its book collection at the Research Centre. Their monthly meetings take place on a Saturday and together with their collection, the comprehensive collection of the library provides an inclusive service to persons researching their family history. The contact details of the GGSA
Enquiries:
Isabel Groesbeek
Tel: (012) 325 7885
Email: isabel@fak.org.za
Library
The reference library, situated in the modern new Heritage Centre, contains more than 15000 sources: books, magazines, pamphlets, dis-sertations and essays. It houses the valuable Hertzog collection as well as the collection of the Northern Transvaal branch of the Genealogical Society of South Africa www.genza.org.za. The library specializes in the history of South Africa and its cultural history. The collection focuses on the language, education, church history, the history of places and place names, military history, family history and heritage conservation. Read more
Museum
Services
The Voortrekker Monument and Nature Reserve as well as the Heritage Foundation are responsible for the museum collection under its ownership and should document, conserve, research and interpret through exhibitions, publications or audio-visual material the collection according to museum-ethical standards.
The museum collection is expanded through the selective collecting of objects through donations, pro-active collecting, buying or lending from other institutions. Read more
The Great Trek, Voortrekker Monument, Anglo-Boer War, Afrikaans cultural history, Afrikaans personalities is part of the specialized focus. Family history research is becoming increasingly popular, and the library offers a wealth of information.
The library offers:
- Ample parking space
- A large, modern, air conditioned reading room
- Access to the Internet at affordable rates
- Plug-in points for laptops
- Lock-up cabinets for safe keeping of valuables
Open:
Tuesdays – Thursdays: 09h00 – 15h00
Entrance fees:
R50 for the use of the library only R20 heritage levy
Enquiries:
Isabel Groesbeek
isabel@fak.org.za
Marianne Henning
marianne@fak.org.za
Tel: 012 325 7885
The extent of the collections of the Voortrekker Monument and Nature Reserve and the Heritage Foundation:
Voortrekker Monument Museum
Collect and document objects and information about:
- The Great Trek period (1834 – 1854
- The Great Trek commemorations
- The Voortrekker Monument and its history
- Cultural organisations that originated due to the Great Trek and its commemorations
Fort Schanskop Museum
Collect and document objects and information about:
- The period that dates from the Jameson Raid in 1897 to the end of the Rebellion in 1914
- The military history of the ZAR during the First War of Independence(1880-1881) and the Second War of Independence known as the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902)
- The history of the Fort from 1897 up to the present
Heritage Centre
Collect and document objects and information about:
- The history, cultural history and achievements of the Afrikaans speaking cultural group from 1902 up to the present with specific reference to important people and events
- Genealogy and family histories of prominent South African families
| Enquiries: | Etta Judson, Museum Manager |
| Tel: | (012) 326 6770 |
| Email: | museum@vtm.org.za |
