Bergtheil Museum

Named after Jonas Bergtheil, this museum is situated in the leafy suburb of Westville, almost midway between Durban and Pinetown. It is housed in Westville's oldest building (c.1840), with massive stone walls and hand-hewn timber floorboards.

About the museum

The museum tells the story of the German settlers brought to Natal by Jonas Bergtheil through the Natal Cotton Company, and their lasting connections to Westville, Claremont and New Germany.

Exhibitions

Permanent displays feature household items, workshop implements, photographs and records documenting the growth of the settlement, alongside military history covering the South African War and both World Wars.

Special displays showcase Hindu and Muslim matrimonial attire, and archaeological artefacts from Umkomaas, Msinga and the Tugela areas, including traditional Zulu wooden platters and clay beer pots. Current exhibitions include Who left this behind? and the documentary River of Secret Lives.

The museum regularly welcomes school groups and genealogy researchers tracing settler descendant lineages.