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Old House Museum
Address16 Queens Avenue, Westville, Durban
Telephone031 203 7107
Visiting HoursMon - Fri 8h30 - 16h45
Saturdays 08h00 - 12h00
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
About Bergtheil Local History Museum was named after Jonas Bergtheil, the Bergtheil Museum is housed in the oldest building in Westville, dating back to the 1940s.
The building, due to it's relevance and association with the first settlers, was declared a national monument in 1983.
Although the building has undergone alterations over the years, the original cottage features massive stone walls and hand-hewn yellowwood floorboards.
The exhibits centre around the first German settlers that Jonas Bergtheil brought to Natal as director of the Natal Cotton Company, and their contribution to the settlements of Westville, Claremont and New Germany. Artefacts include household and workshop implements, records and photographs pertaining to those turbulent years, as well as a history of the gradual growth and success of the boroughs.
The museum documents the role of these settlers throughout the South African War (1899-1902), First and Second World Wars, with a fascinating display of medals and memorabilia.
Other exhibits include a collection of Zulu artefacts and craft, and an overview of the local culture of Hindu and Muslim matrimony.


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