Embark on an voyage through time as we unveil the history of the KZN Museum through our commemorative book, now available in PDF format. Originally printed for our centenary year in 2004, this book is a testament to our enduring legacy as we now celebrate 120 years of heritage and excellence.

Within its pages lies a captivating narrative, weaving together pivotal moments, cherished exhibits, and the remarkable stories that have sculpted our institution into the beacon of culture and knowledge it is today. From our humble beginnings to the monumental achievements leading up to our centenary, this book captures the essence of our museum's profound impact on the community and beyond. Whether you are a devoted patron or a curious newcomer captivated by our history, we encourage you to have a read through this invaluable resource.

Join us in honouring our past as we forge ahead, continuing to inspire and educate for generations to come. Click the link below to embark on this unforgettable journey through the annals of time.

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Celebrating Fifty Years of Archaeology-Remembering Past Staff: Dr Martin Hall

Martin Hall was born in Guildford, England. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University in 1974 before joining what was then the Natal Museum in 1975 as an enthnoarchaeologist. During his time at the museum, Hall excavated at uMgungundlovu and also in the Umfolozi River Catchment Area. He contributed numerous research articles on the Iron Age and the Historical Archaeology of KwaZulu-Natal. While in Pietermaritzburg, he completed his PhD at Cambridge. Following this, he moved to the South African Museum as Chief Professional Officer in 1980 and in 1983 he joined the University of Cape Town (UCT). Hall served as Deputy Vice Chancellor of UCT from 2002 until 2008 before becoming Vice-Chancellor at the University of Salford in the United Kingdom. He is currently an Emeritus Professor at UCT.

120 Years in 120 Objects

Join the KwaZulu-Natal Museum in celebrating the museum’s 120^th year of orbiting the sun. Staff and guest curators have chosen one object or item per year of our existence to highlight to the public. Visit the website and our social media platforms regularly to see the latest object and keep an eye out for information about a physical exhibition later this year!

Today’s Object is from 1920

The Eastern Cape giants (Proandricus skeadi) by Thembeka Nxele, Curator of Oligochaeta

The specimens of this species were collected by Dr Skead in 1920 while he was the director of what would become known in recent years as the Amathole Museum in King Williams Town. He made numerous observations on earthworms between 1958–1971 and most of his notes are a source of information for P. skeadi, hence it was named after him. This species is known from Debe Nek, King Williams Town and Stutterheim. This species is known for producing large casts, which could reach a height of 240 mm, which is accumulated over time. This species is amongst those that are responsible for the “earthworm mounds” observed around King Williams Town, which have changed the landscape of the area. Most people mistake these “mounds” as the termite mounds because of their size and unique structure. Many scholars have studied these “mounds” in order to understand why they are shaped and organized as they are. The notes from Dr Skead provide more insight on the ecology of these earthworms and partly explain the formation of the “mounds”.

Notes selected from the original Dr Skead’s notes.