Remembering the 1860 arrivals
The programme takes its name from the year the first indentured labourers arrived in Natal from India, beginning a chapter of history that would profoundly shape the cultural and economic life of the region. Through guided tours, storytelling sessions and craft workshops, children explore exhibits such as the Indian Fisherman's Cottage, learning about the daily lives, hardships and resilience of the indentured community.
Learning through experience
Rather than presenting history as a list of dates and facts, the holiday programme emphasises experiential learning — encouraging participants to handle replica artefacts, try traditional foods and take part in activities inspired by the customs brought to Natal by indentured families. Educators say this approach helps young visitors form a personal connection to heritage that classroom teaching alone often struggles to achieve.
Why it matters
Programmes like this play an important role in ensuring that the histories preserved in Durban's museums remain relevant to new generations. By engaging children directly with the material culture and lived experience of the past, the Durban Local History Museums hope to nurture a lasting sense of curiosity and pride in the region's diverse heritage. Teachers can arrange school visits to any of our museums through Bookings & Enquiries.