Roodepoort Museum’s Youth Programme Brings History to Life
The Roodepoort Museum is celebrating the success of its ‘History Happens Here’ youth programme, which ran throughout February and will continue into March 2025. Designed to inspire a love of history in young learners, the programme connects students with museum exhibits that align with their school curriculum.
Making History Engaging
Chief Curator Anne Smart expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This initiative provides students with an immersive historical experience. The programme’s key elements – interactive museum tours and an educational booklet – have proven to be a winning combination.”
Guided tours took students on a journey through Roodepoort’s history, from its early farming days to the transformative gold rush on the Witwatersrand. To complement these tours, the History Happens Here booklet provided additional context and activities to reinforce classroom learning.
Bringing the Past to Life
Museum guides Sam Struurman and Rebecca Modise captivated learners from Thabang and Lodirile Primary Schools by bringing historical artefacts to life. Students explored reconstructions of a 19th-century farmhouse and a late Victorian home, along with the museum’s renowned decorative arts collection.
Teachers praised the programme for its alignment with the national curriculum and its role in enhancing historical understanding and critical thinking. Principal Tebogo Maarela from Lodirile Primary School in Dobsonville remarked, “This was more than just a museum visit—it was a memorable journey through time for our students.”
Loselo Mafolo, a teacher from Lodirile Primary, added, “The materials and tours made history tangible and exciting.”
A Lasting Impact
Learners also shared their excitement, particularly enjoying the hands-on exploration of artefacts and engaging storytelling from the guides. “I loved seeing how people lived long ago—it helped me understand the past,” said a nine-year-old student from Thabang Primary School.
“The success of History Happens Here reflects our commitment to education and community engagement,” stated Smart. “Seeing young minds light up as they discovered their heritage was incredibly rewarding. We are already planning to expand this initiative in the coming years.”
The Roodepoort Museum’s dedication to making history accessible and engaging ensures that students continue to connect with the past in meaningful ways.
