This cultural and historical museum displays the history of Middelburg and the surrounding areas. It also houses an internationally renowned collection of San artefacts, currently on display in the Bushman cave.
For anyone who wants to understand Middelburg, the museum should be the first stop.

Business hours:  Monday – Friday 08h30 – 13h00 & 14h00 – 15h30
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
After-hours viewing can be arranged

The Poor School
Prior to 1852 formal education did not exist in Middelburg. Farmers would hire teachers to travel with them to teach their children writing, bible study and maths. The Poor School started in 1898 with 86 learners. It was originally started in the town hall until the NG Kerk built the first school building. The first principal was Mr Jan Vorster and the staff consisted of him and an assistant. They received half the salary that teachers at the public school received. The school continued to grow, and a second building was added in 1906. By 1914 the Poor School had more children than the Public School and in 1920 the school was closed and amalgamated with the Public School with a total of 280 students. This caused much controversy in the community as many did not want their children to attend school with the poorer children.

The Poor School was then used for Sub A, Sub B and Standard 1. English classes were one side and Afrikaans classes on the other. Later it was used by the high school for woodwork classes, home economics and much later for storage. Many of Middelburg’s older generation still recall going to this school.