Albany Museum

01/10/2026

Heritage Month Round-Up

On 11 September 2026, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, in partnership with the AmaNdlambe Traditional Council and the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), hosted Heritage Month celebrations at Fort Murray Great Place in eQonce. The theme for the event was "Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us."

Albany Museum was represented by Dr Xonxa, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, together with Celeste Booth, Khayakazi Mhasele and Gcobisa Zomelele.

On 22 September, Makana Local Municipality, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), commemorated National Arbor Day at Kuyasa Special School. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of planting, protecting and conserving indigenous trees.

Albany Museum also highlighted the significance of preserving indigenous trees, many of which hold immense historical and cultural value. Some of these trees become important artefacts that are preserved within our collections and galleries, ensuring that future generations can learn about their history and heritage.

During the event, Mr Finiza demonstrated the correct method of planting a tree and explained why proper planting techniques are essential for long-term growth and sustainability. Acting Mayor Councillor Xonxa presided over the tree-planting ceremony and emphasised the vital role trees play in supporting both the environment and human wellbeing.

On 23 September, the Makhanda High Court invited Albany Museum to participate in its Heritage Day celebration. Representing the Museum, Linda Snam-Dyani spoke about the importance of museums and the role they play in preserving and interpreting heritage.

"There is danger when we speak of heritage; we often make heritage comfortable, yet heritage can be uncomfortable," said Snam-Dyani.

Speaking at the event, Likhaya Ngandi noted that "the remnants of the apartheid system are still with us, and in some respects, conditions are becoming even worse." Dr Pateka, CEO of the South African Library for the Blind, stressed the importance of collaboration and unity in addressing societal challenges. She highlighted how working together could significantly improve accessibility and opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

On 26 September 2026, DSRAC, in partnership with Ndlambe Local Municipality and the Royal House of AmaChwama, hosted a Heritage Day celebration at the Bathurst Sports Field. The theme for the event was "Honouring the AmaChwama Kingdom: Preserving History, Celebrating Identity."

The programme began with a fun walk and indigenous games in celebration of heritage, followed by a tree-planting ceremony at the AmaChwama Royal House led by DFFE's Mr Finiza. Albany Museum showcased a variety of historically significant objects and displays from different departments, highlighting their connection to South Africa's rich and diverse heritage.

In the lead-up to the event, Albany Museum conducted several outreach programmes at schools in the Ndlambe area. The initiative focused on "bringing the museum to the schools" by displaying artefacts from various departments and creating opportunities for learners to engage directly with museum staff. Learners gained valuable insight into the collections, heritage preservation and the diverse career opportunities available within the museum sector, including the academic pathways required for different professions.

As part of the conclusion of both Women's Month and Heritage Month, DSRAC's Sarah Baartman District office hosted a closing event in Makhanda. Representing Albany Museum, Phumeza Mntonintshi spoke on the importance of cultural diversity and reflected on how it connects to both Women's Month and Heritage Month.

Addressing the audience, she emphasised the need for greater understanding and appreciation of diversity, stating: "People must stop having the mentality that only they matter. Everyone matters and no one is above another."

Speakers from various sectors also reflected on the challenges facing South African society, particularly the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide. Discussions highlighted the devastating impact of violence against women and the urgent need for communities to work together to create safer environments. Many speakers noted that women continue to face threats in public spaces, in their homes and during everyday activities, underscoring the importance of collective action and accountability.

As Albany Museum, we do not condone Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). We stand in solidarity with survivors and advocate for a society founded on respect, equality and human dignity. Together, we can help break the cycle of violence and build safer communities for all.

23/09/2026

This Heritage Day, explore the treasures of Albany Museum (Natural Science Building) open Thursday, 24 September!

21/09/2026

Albany Museum Outreach – Heritage Month 2026

This Heritage Month, the Albany Museum is taking the museum beyond its walls. Our team visited Dambuza Primary School, bringing along selected artefacts to display and engage learners in meaningful conversations about heritage.

Children had the opportunity to interact directly with the artefacts, ask questions, and learn about their cultural significance. By taking the museum into schools, we aim to inspire curiosity and ensure that heritage remains a living, shared experience for future generations.

21/09/2026

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu (Walter Sisulu University) Students Visit Albany Museum

A group of History and Geography students from iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu recently visited the History Museum, where they were warmly guided by our dedicated staff. The learners engaged with the rich heritage preserved in our collections and gained valuable insights into the importance of conserving cultural knowledge.

Their visit also included a stop at the Old Priest House, home to the Devonian Ecosystem Project led by Dr Rob Gess. Here, they explored fascinating fossil displays and learned about ancient life forms that shaped the world we know today.

18/09/2026

💜 TONIGHT, OUR MUSEUM SPEAKS WITHOUT WORDS. 💜

Tonight, the Observatory Museum in Makhanda is illuminated in purple as a symbol of remembrance, solidarity and hope following the tragic deaths of nine women in Ekurhuleni.

We stand with survivors of gender-based violence, the families of those we have lost, and every woman and girl who deserves to live free from fear and violence.

As a museum, we preserve the stories of our past, but we also have a responsibility to help our communities reflect, remember, speak and act.

Tonight, we remember those whose lives have been lost.
We stand with survivors.
We stand with families.
And we say NO to Gender-Based Violence.

💜 NO MORE SILENCE. NO MORE VIOLENCE.

18/09/2026

A Special Visit to the Observatory Museum

On 17 September 2026, the Observatory Museum was delighted to welcome Mrs Margaret Clews (née Galpin), a descendant of the Galpin family who resides in the United Kingdom.

Mrs Clews is the great-great-granddaughter of Henry Carter Galpin, whose family has a significant connection to the history of the Observatory Museum.

During her visit, Mrs Clews generously donated a bottle of Galpin Peak Pinot Noir to the Observatory Museum. The name Galpin Peak carries special significance, as it is the mountain where Edward Ernest (E.E.) Galpin would walk and collect plant specimens, contributing to his passion for botany and the study of South Africa’s natural heritage.

We are deeply grateful to Mrs Clews for her visit and generous donation, which adds another meaningful connection to the Galpin family story preserved at the Observatory Museum.

Connecting families, preserving stories, and keeping our heritage alive.

In these photos, Mrs Clews is joined by her husband, Mr Clews, and Zekhaya Gxotelwa, Curator at the Observatory Museum.

17/09/2026

Sacred springs of South Africa: pure waters or polluted? We found tiny bits of plastic in the samples we tested

A research project funded by the Water Research Commission has revealed that even our most remote and culturally treasured waters are polluted.

Albany Museum’s Dr Thendo Mutshekwa found microplastics in sacred springs across the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu‑Natal. In order to preserve these springs' ecological health and cultural significance for future generations, action must be taken.

Even South Africa’s remote sacred springs are not untouched: research found microplastics in all nine tested, including waters used for healing and drinking.

11/09/2026

ONE MUSEUM. SEVEN BUILDINGS. 171 YEARS. 🎉

Did you know? On 11 September 1855, a resolution was formally proposed and seconded to establish a General Museum dedicated to scientific enquiry and public education.

On 2 and 4 February 1856, the newly established Albany Museum opened its doors from the home of Dr William Edmunds.

171 years later, Albany Museum is home to seven buildings, each carrying a unique part of our history, heritage and scientific legacy.

As we continue to ask new questions about our past, our environment and our society, we are reminded that the powerful role museums play in preserving knowledge, inspiring curiosity and serving communities cannot be emphasised enough.

Come and discover your museum!
📍 Weekdays: 09:00–16:00
📧 For weekend group arrangements: [email protected]

🎂 Happy Birthday to us! 171 years and still standing — still discovering, still learning, still connecting.

08/09/2026

Sacred waters under threat: Community shares knowledge of Sacred Springs

Water Research Commission funded project

Community members, school children and other stakeholders gathered at Lily Chalets in Port St Johns on Monday, 31 August, for a workshop exploring the importance of sacred freshwater systems and the threats they face.
The “Sacred Water Under Threat” workshop was led by Albany Museum’s Dr Thendo Mutshekwa and aimed to share knowledge and research on sacred freshwater systems and their importance to local communities and the environment.

Dr Mutshekwa and his research team have been conducting research at the Isinuka Springs in Port St Johns, a site regarded by local communities as an important place of healing and cleansing.
As part of the workshop, community members watched a documentary produced by Dr Mutshekwa and his team, which presented some of the findings from their research.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for community members from different generations to share their knowledge and understanding of Isinuka Springs. A common belief among those who spoke was that the springs are a place of healing and cleansing, where people can rid themselves of bad luck.
Scientists and other stakeholders involved in the research also delivered presentations during the workshop.

Dr Karabelo Moloantoa (University of Kwazulu-Natal) highlighted the role of scientists in addressing environmental challenges.
“Scientists are there to solve problems,” said Dr Moloantoa.
He spoke about the importance of protecting freshwater systems and ensuring that they remain clean and free from contamination. He emphasised the need to preserve freshwater resources because of their importance to both communities and the environment.
Entomologist Dr Samuel Motitsoe (Wits University) delivered an engaging presentation on the role insects play in both human lives and the environment. He highlighted how insects contribute to ecosystems by performing functions essential for maintaining environmental balance.
From pollination to pest control and biodiversity support, insects underpin many of the natural processes that sustain communities and ecosystems. Dr Motitsoe emphasised that recognising and protecting these contributions is crucial for ecological resilience and human wellbeing.

Dr Lubabalo Mofu (NRF-SAIAB) in his presentation spoke of the need for transformation in the science sector, particularly through empowering and encouraging more women to pursue careers in science.
He also highlighted initiatives aimed at making scientific research and facilities more accessible to communities and researchers outside Makhanda.
The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) has established joint laboratories with several institutions across the country, each focusing on different areas of research. These include a joint Microplastics Laboratory between the University of the Western Cape and NRF-SAIAB, an Ecotoxicology Laboratory between the University of Zululand and NRF-SAIAB, a Bioeconomy Laboratory between the University of Fort Hare and NRF-SAIAB, and a Coastal Livelihoods Laboratory between Walter Sisulu University and NRF-SAIAB.

According to Dr Mofu, these partnerships help provide access to specialised research facilities for people who are based outside Makhanda.
The workshop also included a career expo for schoolchildren, giving them an opportunity to learn about different career paths they could pursue. The learners were introduced to a range of career opportunities and received university prospectuses to help them learn more about tertiary education options and make informed decisions about their future studies.
The workshop brought together scientific research, community knowledge and career guidance, highlighting the importance of working with local communities to understand, protect and preserve sacred freshwater systems such as Isinuka Springs.

07/09/2026

Taking the Museum Beyond Its Walls this Heritage Month!

Albany Museum reached out to the bright young minds of Mtyobo Public School, engaging Grade 7 learners as they prepare to enter high school.

Joining us was Solethu Mkhencele, one of our enthusiastic interns in the Freshwater Invertebrates Section, who shared her work in freshwater ecology and macro- and microplastic pollution research - introducing learners to some of the fascinating and lesser-known careers found within museums.

We hope we planted a seed for a future scientist or museum professional. 🌱

If they cannot always come to the Museum, the Museum must find its way to them.