Joubert House

Description

Joubert House is a house museum that portrays the typical country lifestyle of the 1850's. Built in 1853, Joubert House is thought to be the oldest dwelling in Montagu. In 1981, this historical monument was on the verge of collapse after devastating floods of, and was saved from demolition by the Montagu Museum Board of Trustees and lovingly restored to its former glory. In 1983 this fine example of rural Cape gabled thatched house was officially opened.

As a house museum, Joubert House portrays the typical country lifestyle of the 1850’s. Of special interest is a small side room which houses a comprehensive collection of toys from bygone days. Pride of place belongs to a unique collection of individually numbered handmade porcelain dolls. The costumes of the dolls are historically correct down to the last detail, including underclothing and leather shoes.

INDIGENOUS MEDICINAL PLANT GARDEN

Over the past 2 decades, the museum has been researching and recording the rich oral history and traditional uses of medicinal plants in the Montagu district, passed down by the Khoikhoi, San and settler farmers from Europe.

The garden, established behind Joubert House, contains most of the 120 plants that have been researched and published in Herbal Remedies of the Montagu Museum.