Supa Ngwao Museum: Preserving Francistown's Heritage

Supa Ngwao Museum, located in Francistown, serves as the regional museum for Francistown and the North East Region of Botswana. "Supa Ngwao" means 'to show culture' in Setswana. The museum is housed in a century-old Government Camp building, which once included a prison and police canteen, adding historical depth to the site. The museum's mission is to preserve and promote the history, culture, and traditions of Francistown and the surrounding areas. It achieves this by collecting and displaying historical items such as old photographs, farming tools, woven baskets, and musical instruments. The museum is particularly focused on showcasing the history and culture of the Kalanga people. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the region's past, from pre-colonial times to the present day. The museum also features an information center and a craft shop where visitors can purchase locally made items. Guided walking tours of Francistown's heritage sites are available with advance booking, offering insights into the city's history as a booming mining town.