Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum - Overberg, Western Cape

Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum, originally inaugurated as the Independent Church building on 15 March 1868 as a result of a church split from the Dutch Reformed Church, this building has seen many years and many changes. In 1884 the property was donated to the Anglican Church who already had a church building, but used the Old Rectory attached to the church building as its rectory. The Independent church building then became a church hall, school for Coloureds, cinema, skating rink and bazaar.

The building was long known as the Eveready Hall, after the Eveready Bazaar housed in it. It was only on 23 March 1967 that the Independent Church was declared a National Monument, and on 4 December 1968 the Bredasdorp Museum officially became a provincially supported museum. The property was finally transferred to the Bredasdorp Museum on 19 May 1970. A local teacher, Mr Coenraad Potgieter, completed his book on Shipwrecks along our Coast that same year and it was decided that this be the theme for the museum and the Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum was born. The museum is split into three sections today, the Shipwreck museum is home to an amazing display of shipwrecks which occurred on the South African coastline as well as an assortment of cannons, figureheads, chinaware, coins, ships' bells, buoys and other life-saving equipment.

The second section is the The Old Parsonage, which is a typical Overberg home, furnished with articles collected along the coasts. This section also houses for safekeeping, a collection of newspaper cuttings and other trivia salvaged from various wrecks. And thirdly, The Old Coach House which exhibits Cape carts, a scotch-cart, two horse-drawn hearses and a splendid old fire engine. The buildings alone are beautifully restored examples of old Cape architecture and most certainly well worth a visit!

Key Features:

1. Exhibits and Collections: The museum features an extensive collection of maritime artifacts, including salvaged shipwreck items, nautical charts, and historical photographs. Visitors can learn about the history of shipwrecks in the region and see exhibits related to the maritime heritage of the area.

2. Historical Significance: The Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum highlights the challenges faced by sailors navigating the often perilous waters around the Southern Cape. The museum provides context on how shipwrecks have shaped the local history and maritime culture.

3. Educational and Informative: The museum offers educational displays and information that help visitors understand the historical significance of the shipwrecks and the impact on maritime safety and navigation in the region.

Contact details for the Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum:
Phone: +27-28-4241240
Email: bredasdorpmuseum@telkomsa.net
Website:  Western Cape Government
Address: Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum, 6 Independent Street, Bredasdorp, 7280, Western Cape, South Africa

For the latest information on opening hours, entrance fees, and special exhibits, contacting the museum directly or visiting their website is recommended.