Event information
The Great Fish River Museum is a Cradock monument dedicated to the history of the hard lives of the pioneer settlers of the Middle Karoo. Declared a National Monument in 1971, the museum is housed in the building that was originally the second parsonage of the Dutch Reformed Church, built in 1849.
It still has its original yellowwood floor and original ceilings, and showcases furniture, ceramics and photographs from the period from 1820 to 1900. The garden is a typical example of a parsonage garden from 100 years ago.
The museum is located behind the Town Hall. The main building exhibits a substantial variety of historical items illustrating the history of Cradock, the 1820 Settlers and the Voortrekkers. The latest addition to the main structure is a photographic display of Nelson Mandela and his life in the struggle for freedom.
An outbuilding known as the Coach House has items on display such as hearses, a typical ox-wagon and a four-horse cart. A third section on the property, the Four Gallery, comprises a written and photo display on the history of four well-known activists from the area: Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkhonto and Sicelo Mhlauli.
