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see also:
- Out of Africa there is always something
New by J.A. van den Heever (Sagittarius)
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Growth of a Collection (Ethnology Collection)
by E. M.Shaw (Sagittarius)
The South African Museum (SAM) was established by Lord Charles Somerset
in 1825, and reconstituted under a Board of Trustees in 1855. It is
the country's second oldest scientific institute, the Royal Observatory
having been established five years earlier, in 1820. Today, 175 years later, the SAM enjoys a wide reputation as a leading
research and educational institution. Its vast collections of natural
history and anthropological objects document all forms of life, living
and extinct, from southern Africa, and the material cultural heritage
of our indigenous populations back to their earliest origins. The
research collections are studied by scientists and students world-wide
and new building extensions and facilities have led to a vigorous
new public outreach programme, involving a variety of educational
activities and new public exhibitions. A modern planetarium offers
an opportunity of exploring the mysteries of the universe, and of
understanding Planet Earth's humble position in relation to far-away
stars and galaxies.
The Museum is visited annually by about 400 000 people, and is one
of Cape Town's major tourist attractions. It is funded by an annual
grant from the Department of Arts Culture Science and Technology.
Research and other projects are supported by grants from the FRD,
the CSD, the City of Cape Town and in certain instances, the private
sector.
The Museum has great potential for public education and inspiration.
Natural history surrounds us all. Whether it be marine life at a beach,
the shape and structure of a mountain, or the patterns of stars at
night - these are things that are there for all to enjoy and understand.
The Museum's education programmes are a bridge to increased enjoyment
and appreciation of the world around us.
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