The Drostdy Museum, Swellendam

24/06/2026

If you've ever been curious about the Friends of the Drostdy Museum, join us at our AGM to find out more!

🗓 24 June 2026 @ 18h00
📍 Tutu Hall, The Drostdy Museum, Swellendam

RSVP by 19 June by sending an email to [email protected]

Thank you to Aan de Eike Guest House for sponsoring Elsa's accommodation.

23/06/2026

20/06/2026

19/06/2026

What Should her name Be?
A little update from our newest museum family member!
Just a few weeks old and already full of energy, curiosity, and confidence! Our beautiful little foal has been keeping Fiona on her toes as she explores her surroundings, stretches her legs, and enjoys the freedom of her safe new space.
Seeing her run, play, and discover the world around her has brought so much joy to our staff, visitors, and wider community. Thank you to everyone who has visited, sent messages of congratulations, and shared in this special moment with us.
We are incredibly grateful for the support shown towards Fiona and her baby girl. Your kindness, encouragement, and contributions continue to remind us what a wonderful community we are privileged to be part of.
Now for an important question - what should her name be?
The three names currently under consideration are:
Hazel
Matilda, and
Rosy.
We'd love to hear what our community thinks! Cast your vote by leaving your favourite name in the comments below.
The winning name will be officially announced at the Friends of the Drostdy Museum AGM, taking place on 24 June at the Desmond Tutu Hall, Drostdy Museum.
Enjoy this glimpse of our newest little star in action, and don't forget to vote!

19/06/2026

Die Hertzogpryswenners van Swellendam
Die Drostdy Museum nooi u hartlik uit na die opening van ons uitstalling oor Uys Krige - een van Suid-Afrika se mees geliefde digters, skrywers, dramaturge en vertalers.
Krige se woorde het grense oorsteek en tale, kulture en mense met mekaar verbind. Hierdie uitstalling vier sy merkwaardige nalatenskap en sy bydrae tot die Afrikaanse letterkunde en die breër Suid-Afrikaanse kultuurlandskap.
Datum: Vrydag, 26 Junie 2026
Tyd: 18:00
Plek: Desmond Tutu-saal, Drostdy Museum, Swellendam
Lesing deur Prof. Alwyn Roux (Unisa)
Datum: Saterdag, 27 Junie 2026
Tyd: 18:00
Plek: Olyfkraans College h/v Moolman-& Voortrekstraat
Kom deel in ñ aand van literêre erfenis, herinnering en viering terwyl ons die lewe en werk van hierdie besondere Hertzogpryswenner herdenk.
Ons sien uit daarna om u daar te verwelkom.
Uitstaling: 26 Junie - 06 Julie 2026

12/06/2026

A very special new arrival has joined our museum family!
Two days ago, our beloved Fiona gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl, and we could not be more delighted. Mother and daughter are doing well, and we have temporarily divided Fiona and Tanner's grazing area to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for the newest member of our family.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has visited, sent messages, shared in our excitement, and shown such kindness and affection toward Fiona and her little one. The outpouring of love from our community has been truly touching.
A special word of appreciation goes to everyone who contributed towards the new dividing fence, feed, and the ongoing care of our animals. Your generosity helps us provide a safe and nurturing home for the animals that have become such a cherished part of the museum experience.
Moments like these remind us that a museum is more than its buildings and collections-it is a community brought together by shared care, heritage, and connection. We are grateful to have such wonderful neighbours, friends, visitors, and supporters walking this journey with us.
From Fiona, her precious new born, Tanner, and all of us at the museum-thank you for being part of our story.

08/06/2026

The recent strong winds that swept through Swellendam left their mark across our town, uprooting and damaging a number of trees, including several of the historic oak trees that have long formed part of the character and heritage of our community.
On Friday, 5 June 2026, we were reminded that while storms may take away, communities have the remarkable ability to restore and rebuild.
The Drostdy Museum would like to extend its sincere gratitude to our good neighbours at Pam Golding Properties - Swellendam for generously donating a tree and fertiliser, as well as to our dedicated museum staff who planted the tree. This thoughtful gesture is more than the planting of a tree; it is a symbol of resilience, renewal, and a shared commitment to preserving the beauty, heritage, and natural environment of Swellendam for future generations.
Trees provide shade, shelter, and a sense of place. By planting today, we invest not only in our landscape but also in the legacy we leave behind.
Thank you to everyone wo contributed their time, effort, and support. Together, we continue to demonstrate that community spirit is one of Swellendam's greatest strengths.
Growing together.
Preserving Our Heritage.
Building for the Future.

02/06/2026