Heritage highlights 12 – The Old Presidency Historical Society
In the series Heritage highlights, AfriForum focuses on heritage landmarks and projects in the country where communities step in themselves to preserve our unique cultural and historical heritage.
One of the most active groups of volunteers is the Old Presidency Historical Society in Bloemfontein. Lambertus van Rensburg (LBJV), who has been the chairman of the society since 2010, tells us more about it.
Alana: How did the Old Presidency Historical Society come about, Lambertus?
LBJV: In 1986, the Old Presidency in Bloemfontein reopened after a comprehensive restoration process. In October 2000, a group of stakeholders met with the aim of establishing an organisation that could henceforth act in support of the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation’s Museum Services Division. Consequently, on 30 January 2001, the organisation Friends of the Old Presidency was officially established. In 2014, its name was changed to the Old Presidency Historical Society because the activities of the group had expanded by then to include more heritage landmarks in Bloemfontein and the Free State. In time the society’s work to introduce and preserve heritage in Bloemfontein has been recognised with several community awards.
Alana: What are the objectives of the society?
LBJV: It is a non-profit organisation that still acts in support of the department, and which collaborates with various other cultural and community organisations in Bloemfontein. It generates funds by organising eight to nine tours or talks with historical themes in the city and surroundings. Its primary focus is the preservation and maintenance of the Old Presidency and other heritage landmarks in the area, and to inform the public about its history.
Alana: Who owns the Old Presidency?
LBJV: The building and grounds are the property of the Department of Public Works. It is managed by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (Museum Services Division) in the Free State, as are nine other museums and monuments in the Free State.
Alana: What can the public expect to see when visiting the Old Presidency?
LBJV: It has been restored to represent what it looked like from 1888 to 1898 during the terms of office of the last three presidents of the Republic of the Orange Free State, before the start of the Anglo-Boer War. The presidents were J.H. Brand, F.W. Reitz and M.T. Steyn. The museum embodies the glory days of the republic.
Alana: When can the public visit it?
LBJV: It is open to the public on weekdays from 08:30 to 15:30. Entrance is free.
Alana: Where else is the society also involved?
LBJV: At various other historical sites in and around Bloemfontein. We cooperate with several other cultural and community organisations.
Alana: What is on the society’s wish list?
LBJV: Like many cultural organisations, we are always looking for members who can and want to be involved, for funds and support from the public.
Alana: If other communities also want to get involved with the preservation or restoration of a site, monument or museum in their vicinity, what is your advice to them?
LBJV: Other groups or individuals are welcome to consult us any time for advice in this regard. It is important that they should be familiar with heritage conservation legislation to ensure that conservation and restoration will be undertaken through the right channels.
Alana: If someone wants to join you, or wants to know more about your historic tours and talks, how can they get in touch?
LBJV: The society can be contacted by telephone at 072 418 8665, or e-mail at vanrensburglbj@gmail.com.
Alana: Thank you so much Lambertus! AfriForum’s branches in Bloemfontein are responsible for the maintenance of the Old Presidency’s garden and they testify to what a privilege it is to cooperate with the society.
LBJV: We encourage everyone in Bloemfontein and surrounding areas to get involved in your activities and remind visitors to Bloemfontein to visit the Old Presidency. Good luck with all your endeavours!
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