GREAT BRAK RIVER NEWS -  The sounds of a 105-year-old organ will echo throughout the Great Brak River Museum tonight, 22 May, when it is played during a fundraising event hosted by the museum's new management and board of directors.

The organ has some significant history behind it, as it was closely associated with Great Brak River's founding family, the Searles.

The event also serves as a way to encourage more visitors and volunteers to join this multi-award-winning museum, which includes the coveted best new museum project award for 2013/14.

Located in Amy Searle Street, the museum operates out of an old schoolhouse originally built in 1902 and consists of seven rooms, each housing its own exhibit complete with several interesting artefacts.

Outside the building of the Great Brak River Museum. Photo: Mossel Bay Advertiser archives/Jannie du Plessis

Ina Bezuidenhout, chairperson of the Friends of the Great Brak River Museum volunteers group, told Mossel Bay Advertiser that between 2010 and 2012, the museum was doing well and received about 4 000 visitors a year - a significant number of visitors for such a small museum.

However, even though the museum receives an annual grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, additonal expenses and a decline in visitors have made it financially difficult for the museum to sustain itself and continue operating. 

"Our goal right now is to build on the museum's potential and return it to its former glory, and have that many visitors once again," she said.

The Great Brak River Museum has much to offer. 

Visitors can discover the town's history through various displays highlighting the arrival of the Searle family in the late 1850s, the usage of water power through the past century, fossil evidence in the Great Brak River area and the local history of the Khoisan people.

Several artefacts on display at the Great Brak River Museum. Photo: Mossel Bay Advertiser archives/Jannie du Plessis

Tonight's celebration will begin at 18:00 and Mossel Bay's mayor, Dirk Kotzé, is also expected to attend.

Additionally, art by local artist Henk du Plessis will be on show, and some items will also be on sale. 

Du Plessis's art will later be displayed at the museum as a special exhibit for next month.

Enquiries: Ina Bezuidenhout on 083 268 5536. 

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