GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Graaff-Reinet Museum recently broke new ground when it hosted, for the first time, a formal launch of one of its own publications.
Over the years, the museum had published many smaller brochures and its own well-regarded newsletters, but this new book is a formally produced and printed manuscript of high technical quality.
It tells the story of the construction of Graaff-Reinet's Van Ryneveld's Pass Dam during the 1920s, making copious use of the rich photographic collection of the museum, in addition to two private photo collections that were generously made available to the museum.
The design and printing of the book were sponsored by the Van Wyk Family Trust and The Rupert Historic Homes Foundation. All proceeds from its sales are being returned to support the museum and its activities.
The project brought numerous bits of new information to light which are incorporated in this narrative, the first to tell the story of the dam in detail.
It contains 89 historical photographs and two maps with explanatory text throughout, as well as a reproduction of the brochure printed at the time of the dam's opening on 14 July 1925, more than 104 years ago.
It should be of great interest to all those who find the history of Graaff-Reinet captivating. The "Dam Book" is available at R300 per copy at Reinet House and The Old Library. it is an ideal Christmas gift to all current and ex-Graaff-Reinetters, in support of a good cause.
The name of the dam, Van Ryneveld's Pass Dam, was changed to Nqweba (Xhosa word meaning "meeting place") during 2001.
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