Explore the Durban Local History Museums

Exhibitions

"SEPARATE IS NOT EQUAL : Brown vs Board of Education"

On the 17 May 1954 the US Supreme Court declared in its ruling that "separate but equal" education was unconstitutional. In 2004 to mark the 50th anniversary of this important decision The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History presented an exhibition titled "Separate is not Equal : Brown vs Board of Education." at the National Museum of American History in Washington.

Having been recontextualised for local audiences the exhibition is now on view at Kwa Muhle Museum. The Durban exhibition showcases some additional items of local historical interest providing visitors with an opportunity to reflect on an apartheid based education system which sought to predestine the youth of South Africa to accept roles in society which were determined by race rather than intellect or ability.

Visitors to the exhibition will no doubt be astonished by the American "Jim Crow" laws which are a shocking echo of the petty apartheid legislation once applied in South Africa. Similarly, the Klu Klux Klan, the Ultra Right Wing, and the struggle for freedom all resonate similar yet different experiences for people on both continents.

More detailed information is presented in a booklet which was designed by the Natal Museum to accompany the exhibition and visitors are invited to request a complimentary copy from the museum.

The exhibition will be on view at Kwa Muhle Museum until late September 2010.

Exhibitions currently open at the Local History Museums:

Old Court House Museum

Daphne Strutt Costume Room :

"Soccer, Unity and Culture in Durban" this exhibition reflects on the history of Soccer in Durban from its establishment in the late 1800s. It reflects on the sports unifying role during the apartheid era right up to the present day and showcases the cities soccer legends and Durban's brand new '2010' stadiums.

Foyer :

• Temporary display of selected items of traditional attire
• Items from Greenacres Department Store
• A selection of model motor cars, part of the Lipschitz Collection

Court Room :

"In Conversation with Luthuli and Mandela" - The exhibition compares the lives and legacies of two South African icons and Nobel Laureates , Albert Luthuli and Nelson Mandela.

See also : http://www.luthulimuseum.org.za/ and http://www.nelsonmandelamuseum.org.za/

Staircase :

“ The Bhambatha Uprising of 1906 ”

Landing :

• The Cussons Collection of model ships
• The “Movers and Shakers”- A display of miniature figurines

The Durban Room :

Take a step back in time as you enter this unique exhibit which portrays aspects of Durban’s past :

• "The Clermont sugar mill”,
• “Fynn’s cottage”,
• “Miss Fann’s haberdashery store” and the old “Apothecary”

The Lantern Room:

"Stalwarts of Peace" an exhibition by the Gandhi Development Trust featuring the life of  Kasturba Gandhi.

Kwa Muhle Museum :

Room 1:

- “The Durban System”

A permanent exhibition reflecting on the system of control imposed on African people in Durban which became known as the infamous “Durban System”

Room 2: KwaZinti:

- “SEPARATE IS NOT EQUAL : Brown vs Board of Education”

The exhibition opened on 5 October 2009 explores the history of racial segregation in the United States of America and South Africa with particular focus on the education systems in both countries.  (See feature story at the top of this page)

The Umkumbane Gallery:

- A photographic reflection of life in Cato Manor as seen through the camera of Mr SB Bourquin.

Room 4 :- ‘Why I did it?’

‘Why I did it?’ is an exhibition exploring the role played by Andrew Zondo in the struggle for freedom. The exhibition was opened at the Kwa Muhle Museum on 26 November 2008 and focuses on Andrew’s role in the bombing of the Sanlam Centre shopping centre in Amanzimtoti in 1985.

“The exhibition is aimed at forging reconciliation and create a common destiny for the citizens of city and country,” said Thembinkosi Ngcobo, Head, Parks Recreation and Culture. Shortly after the exhibition was opened the slogan “murderer” was sprayed onto the museum walls in likely response to the exhibition. Mr Ngcobo welcomed this act as an expression of opinion.

The exhibition which is still on at the Kwa Muhle Museum will hopefully continue to stimulate debate.

Room 5 : - “The Living Legends - 2009”

An exhibition recognizing the outstanding lives and contributions of people associated with Durban. (The last day to view this exhibition is Sunday 5 September 2010)

The Old House Museum

A permanent exhibition showcasing the domestic lifestyle of upper middle class settlers is presented with in the context of a recreated old house which was once the residence of Sir John Robinson, Natal’s first Prime Minister and owner of the newspaper the “Natal Mercury”.

A small temporary display of dolls is also on view.

The Port Natal Maritime Museum

Floating exhibits:

• The SAS Durban – a Coniston Class Minesweeper (Currently closed to the public)
• The JR More – an oil fired steam tug - An audio guide tour of the JR More can be hired at the museum and provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the tug at their leisure while at the same time gain an understanding of the workings of the vessel.

Quayside exhibits:

• The Ulundi – a coal fired steam tug
• The Khayalethu- The Glow worm- Lifeboat from the harbour tug FT Bates
• NCS Challenger - Anthony Steward’s small yacht on which he sailed single handed around the world.
• Various items associated with cargo handling

Exhibition Hall:

A selection of maritime artefacts are displayed in this exhibition hall.

Cato Manor Museum

This permanent display depicts the history of Cato Manor using various audio visual installations and large prints.

Pinetown Museum

This museum focuses on the history of Pintown and the displays reflect the multi cultural diversity of the region.

Bergtheil Museum

This old house museum has permanent displays associated with the early German settlers.