The museum, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2001 regularly offers a lot of impressive exhibits to the visitor. The founding of the museum was initiated by Dr. Alfons Weber. He submitted a plan for a "Heimat-museum", where exhibits of local interest could be shown. Currently on exhibit are a multi facet rock collection, numerous photos and exhibits of German colonial times and the history of Swakopmund, former means of transportation and an exhibition about environmental responsibility. Furthermore an imitation of the "Adler Apotheke" of Emil Kiewitt, a dental practise, a lounge and a dining room dating back to the early century including the fashions of the founding times of Swakopmund can be seen. Especially the ethnographic exhibition, which was established in cooperation with the "Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hannover" and opened in 2001 is well worth a visit.

Currently a number of projects are planned to make the museum even more attractive for visitors. The "Hansastübchen", a room of the former Hansa Brewery was bequeathed to the museum. This room, with its historical atmosphere should become affiliated to the museum. A small restaurant will be constructed where the visitors will be able to enjoy refreshments. The Rössing-room will also be renovated and upgraded by the Rössing Mine. It is planned to display new exhibits and to construct an additional entrance. Thus it should be possible to detach the room to use it for speeches and seminars. Furthermore, the "Langer-Heinrich-Mine" is about to commence the exploitation and rehash of Uranium and plans an exhibition on its operations in the museum.

Next year the Sam Cohen Library will be 30 years old.

The foundation for this Library had already been laid by Ferdinand Stich at the beginning of the 20th century, as he was a noted bookshop owner of Swakopmund. His "Afrikana" collection, which included more than 12.000 books and scripts, was acquired by Dr. Afons Weber, the founder and former director of the Society for Scientific Development, with the financial support of the Rotary Club of Swakopmund. Including a couple of further collections, for example the scientific collection of the city of Swakopmund or the botanical collection of E. Jensen, the Sam-Cohen Library is of great benefit for Swakopmund, as Deetlefs, former mayor of Swakopmund emphasized at the opening in 1977. Today the Sam Cohen Library offers more than 10.000 books and a diversity of reprints and periodicals, especially used by scientific researchers and students. The main stock of the library includes scientific literature about Namibia dating back to the German colonial period until the present day. At the moment, the stock of the library is captured electronically simplifying the use for the visitor.

Subsequently to the official meeting, a very impressive film of Mr. Immo Bölke depicting the history of South-West-Africa from 1486 until 1894 was shown. The film, a fascinating composition of photos and pictures combined with a variety of interesting information, started with the first Portuguese ships reaching the coast of South-West-Africa. Immo Bölke continued with the exploration and settlement of the land and explained the areas of the different tribes. He also documented various conflicts between different tribes. The historical retrospect ended with the annexing of German South-West Africa in 1884. Immo Bölke announced a continuation of his film for the Annual General Meeting next year. One more reason for all members, who were unable to take part this year, to definitely participate next year.

The Swakopmund lighthouse was one of more than 377 registered locations for the International Lighthouse Weekend this month. More than 50 countries participated in the annual event for amateur radio operators this year, trying to contact participants in lighthouses worldwide through radio communication. In contrast to last year when about hundred contacts were realized, only 3 contacts were made this time, caused by bad natural conditions, which influenced the quality of radio communication. The members of the Amateur Radio League mostly communicate through microphones or computer technology via voice. Morse Code is another way of radio communication, but is not necessary for modern day communication. Amateur radio operators need to pass an exam and require a license from the Namibian Communications Commission. Photo: ak