It will help tourists understand the force and impact of the meteorite that struck the earth some 2,000 million years ago. The crater it formed is considered to be the biggest and oldest clearly visible impact structure on earth. The exhibition will make this geological wonder even more understandable for the many national and international tourists who visit the area annually.
It was officially opened last Thursday, with Nicky Oppenheimer, the son of Harry Oppenheimer, and his wife, Strilli’s, visit to Parys. Duncan Macfadyen (ecologist) and selected guests, attended the function. Jan Fourie took them on a tour, visiting important viewing points in the Dome. They also enjoyed lunch at the historic mining town of Venterskroon.
The Geological Society of South Africa, sponsorship from the Oppenheimer Trust and various other sponsors made the Dome Room with the exhibition possible.
From left are Maggie Lambert-Newman, the twin brothers Morris and Richard Viljoen, Ephraime Mosibi and Renee Hartslief.
Guests on a guided tour at selected viewpoints in the Vredefort Dome. On the left is Nicky and Strilli Oppenheimer, with Maggie Lambert-Newman in die middle and one of the Viljoen brothers on the right hand side. Photos: Renee Hartslief.
Nicky and Strilli Oppenheimer, who attended the opening function.
About the exhibition
Together with the twin brothers, professors Morris and Richard Viljoen, the well-known geo-artist, Maggie Lambert-Newman, put together various photos, maps, diagrams, rock samples and artwork. Unesco declared the Vredefort Dome a World Heritage Site in 2005.
Originally it was supposed to have an exhibition at the Vredefort Impact Centre to benefit tourism in the Free State. Unfortunately, it is now only a R24-million white elephant alongside the Parys/Vredefort road. The Centre never opened after completion in 2008. As a result of its poor construc- tion, it was regarded as too unsafe. Since then, neither the national nor provincial governments have accepted responsibility for this shameful waste.
When the talented geo-artist, Maggie Lambert-Newman moved to Parys two years ago, she was surprised to find very little information available to tourists, either in Vredefort or Parys. Although tours of the area are recommended, these are necessarily lengthy and impractical for visitors who are just passing through or who are only here for a day.
She found that tour guides were generally in favour of having more information available. They felt this would actually encourage people to take a tour or, if there was no time, to return to Parys another time to do so.
The first problem was to find somewhere suitable to house an information display and, after several fruitless attempts, Maggie learnt that Iris Andrew had re-opened the Parys Museum. Iris and Maggie then discussed a plan to incorporate a “Dome Room” into the museum and set to work on the project together. The next problem was how to produce an attractive, easily understood display from a subject with complicated geological information and, to the layman, incomprehensible scientific jargon. The Vredefort Dome being unique in the world in both its age and size, enjoys much international and local attention from geologists and students. Their interests, therefore, had to be catered for. Fortunately, Maggie had experience in working with geologists and had come to understand the basics of this fascinating, but occasionally daunting, subject.
She contacted the Viljoen brothers with whom she had worked many times before. They were able to explain the history and structure of the Dome to her. They dis- cussed how this information could be translated into terms understandable to those not familiar with the complexities of geology. Morris and Richard had supplied a great many photographs, diagrams and maps for Maggie to choose from. She added artwork and more photos to add colour and drama where it was needed.
“Foremost in setting up the new exhibits were the new museum curator, Iris’s daughter Diane, the knowledgeable and extraordinarily versatile Warrin Flores, and David Mkhwanazi, whose reliable and practical support has been indispensable. Jan Fourie’s knowledge of the area and tourism experience was of great value. He also donated several specimens for the display. Karen Addison took Morris, another geologist colleague, and myself on our first tour of the Dome.”
“I’d like to thank Tinus Pieterse of It’s Ink for his untiring help and patience with the printing and layout of labelling. There are many more who have given their time and talents. On behalf of the museum team and myself, I’d like to thank you all wholeheartedly for helping us achieve what I hope will be the first of many new projects for Parys Museum,” says Maggie. And now the plan is to get the museum open on certain days. If you have time on your hands, have an interest in history, or just a willingness to help – please contact Diane on 071 388 0446.
Special thanks to Jean-Marie van den Bergh, Selma Kok, John Mampa, Renee Hartslief, Kira Eikmeier, Julia Holterman, Tim, and Julian Gisi, Warren Floris, David Mkhwanazi, Jan Fourie, Iris Andrews, DV Glas and Jaco from Parys Nutsman who has helped in the past, or worked non-stop the past 3 weeks to get the museum clean and ready for the opening of the exhibition.
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