David Botha, a Cape farmer who migrated first to Natal and then to Ohrigstad in the Northern Transvaal, built the original pioneer dwelling and outbuildings on the premises of what is today known as the Pioneer Museum in Silverton. Botha arrived in Ohrigstad in 1846 with his four children, but the prevalence of malaria and the death of a son made him look elsewhere for land. In April 1848 the family moved to the farm Hartebeespoort (the present Silverton).
In 1961, Mrs Mundt, daughter-in-law of Hans Mundt, donated the land on which the houses were erected as historical monuments to the municipality of Silverton. The municipality in return approached the then director of the National Cultural History and Open-Air Museum, Mrs Roodt-Coetzee, to establish a museum. In November 1975, the then State President Nico Diederichs proclaimed the house a museum.
Some of the permanent exhibitions include the furnished 1848 Pioneer farmhouse, the Historic farmyard and a selection of farm animals. Guided tours of the historical farmyard are conducted from Tuesdays - Fridays between 09:00 - 12:00. Booking is essential.
Opening hours:
Daily: 09:00 - 16:00
