Tsumeb Museum Traditional Geocache
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(regular)
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This geocache was placed at the Tsumeb Museum which is located on President's Avenue next to the Lutheran Church, facing the park. The museum houses excellent displays of the area's rare minerals and mining history, as well as Bushmen and Himba artifacts and details the history of the German colonial forces in the area.
Tsumeb is situated in the northern part of the Otavi Bergland, 1,310 metres above sea level. After an hour's drive, one reaches the Etosha National Park. The museum presents ethnological, colonial and mining history under one roof. It was opened on April 5th, 1975 under the auspices od the S.W.A. Scientific Society. The founder is Mrs. Ilse Schatz. A further development of the museum over the following years could be made possible by donations and many helping hands and the assistance of the inhabitants of Tsumeb. The museum is located in the old "German Private School" which was built in 1915. The building was declared a National Monument. In the Ethnological Department we find many photos as well exhibits portraying the life and culture of the Ovambo, Herero, Kavango, San and Himba tribes. The Khorab Room exhibits many photos of the German "Schutztruppe" and the Union troops of World War I. Descriptions of various battles in the Otavi Bergland can be seen, as well as the armistice condition, and photos from the prisoner camp in Aus. The main attraction, of course, are the various cannons and ammunition boxes which have been lifted from the muddy waters of the Otjikoto Lake by hobby divers after months of strenuous work. The restoration of these cannons was done by volunteers free of charge in Tsumeb. In the Mine Display Room, photos from the years 1902 to 1906 describe in detail the construction of the railway line from Swakopmund to Tsumeb. The eye catchers in this room are the marvellous minerals from Tsumeb which are known around the world. Photos of the pioneer days of Tsumeb, all the directors of the mine, local clubs, the town council, the mine disaster in Kombat, and the new smelter in Tsumeb are also on display. In the middle of the room, there is a well restored ox wagon, built in South Africa in 1902. This ox wagon was drawn by 16 oxen. A small room is dedicated to a variety of interesting items. One cabinet shows exhibits from World War II, lists of names of soldiers who died in combat, and a number of handmade items by prisoners of war in camp Andalusia in South Africa. The activities of our local Boy Scouts and German "Pfadfinder", clothing, linen, and jewellery worn before World War I are also showcased. The last room is the philately room. The displays have been built up over many years, and were donated by the museum's friend and patron Mr. Detlef Glockmann. The exhibition portrays the country's history since 1888.
The geocache is located on the museum's premises. It is accessible during opening hours (Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00, Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00) only. You do not need to pay the entrance fee if you're just looking for the cache, but please take the time to see the exhibits, as well. Feel free to trade, and leave or move trackables.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
1904