Library and Museum Celebrate Porterville’s 150th Anniversary | Western Cape Government

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Library and Museum Celebrate Porterville’s 150th Anniversary

26 August 2013

Libraries and museums are important public spaces where people can connect with and value each other, learn about their shared history, and experience cultural warmth. These were the key messages delivered by Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer during visits to the Porterville community library and the Jan Danckaert Museum on Friday, 23 August 2013.

The visit coincided with the 150-year anniversary of the establishment of this historic town in the West Coast region.

Dr Meyer said libraries provide people with ways of learning about history and are places where people can connect with the wider world. He praised staff for exhibiting the paintings of emerging artists from the community.

“It was good to hear the minister praising the talent of young artists from our community who are proud to display their work as part of celebrating our town’s 150th birthday,” said Senior Librarian Ms Gail van der Ventel.

Dr Meyer said museums are the “heartbeat” of a community. “It is here where you find more about your town’s 150-year history, its people and how you’re connected to it. It is here where people can take pride in the concept, ‘My culture, your culture, our heritage’.” 

This visit spread cultural warmth, while encouraging people to take pride in their culture and heritage as they celebrated their town’s anniversary, better together.

Media Enquiries: 

Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za