EASTERN CAPE NEWS - The Graaff-Reinet Museum recently hosted its 69th AGM in which it reflected on the past 12 months and looked ahead to a special year as it continues to celebrate its 70th anniversary.

A highlight of the event was a presentation by Dr Marie Jorritsma, who shared some findings from her fieldwork in the Karoo. 

Her talk focused on the religious music traditions of three church congregations in Kroonvale and explored how hymns, choral music and choruses form an important part of the community’s traditions, religious life and cultural identity. 

The guests also had the opportunity to listen to some recordings that had been made during her fieldwork. 

Those in attendance agreed that her research contributes significantly to a greater understanding of the Kroonvale community and its rich intangible cultural heritage.

The AGM also provided an opportunity for the museum’s chairperson, Peter Whitlock, and head, Dr Anziske Kayster, to acknowledge the vision of the museum’s founding members and recognise the many individuals who have contributed to the development over the past 70 years.

In addition, the museum announced that the special commemorative edition of The Hourglass/Die Uurglas, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Graaff-Reinet Museum, is now available.

Brian Hough and Liesl Erasmus were unanimously elected as the Friends of the Museum representatives. 

Memberships for Friends of the Museum are now due for renewal, and can be found here.

The museum thanked its staff, board of trustees and everyone who attended for contributing to the success of the meeting and expressed its appreciation for the community’s continued support. 

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