Notice: Visitors to this museum have complained on Trip Advisor that the place is very run down.
The Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum is an interesting outing for the whole family. Not only do you get to see how farming developed from the Stone Age to the 1940’s, but the farmyard with its indigenous animals and farm implements is a magnet for the kids.
The museum consists of two furnished farmhouses, one built in 1880 and the other in 1913. They have been fully furnished with antiques from the 1920’s to give you an idea how these folk lived. You can also peek into the lifestyle of the Ndebele farming community by visiting the re-creation of an Ndebele dwelling and seeing the indigenous, domesticated farm animals such as Nguni cattle and Painted Persian sheep that are kept at the old historic farmyard.
The large collection of farming implements, animal drawn vehicles and tractors certainly makes one realise that farming was not always an easy occupation and the difference made by mechanization. The museum also brings to life the other skills that a farmer and his family needed to be able to do. There is an outside oven used for bread-making (bread can be purchased); a blacksmith shop and by prior booking other demonstrations can be arranged including candle-making, cow-milking and the roasting of coffee beans. Homemade jams, cookies, soap and Ndebele beadwork can also be purchased at the Museum farm stall.
The Museum distils and sells its own mampoer and liqueurs. An annual Mampoer Festival takes place at the end of May each year.
Farm experiences for learners are offered through hands-on curriculum based programmes for Grade R to Grade 3 & Grade 4 to Grade 6 and seniors.
Facilities include a restaurant and picnic and braai area.
Hours: Daily 09h00 to 15h00: Tel: Museum: (012) 736 2035/6: Edu Tours (012) 664 7322
Directions: From Pretoria follow the N4 east toward Witbank; at Exit 27, take Rayton/Cullinan/ Babsfontein off ramp to the R104 Silverton / Bronkhorstspruit Road; follow the R104 for 3 km to steam engine signboard where you turn left to the parking area.
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