Archives & Research
The Khama III Memorial Museum preserves important archival collections documenting leadership, governance, literature, community life and social change in Serowe and the wider Gammangwato region.
Dating from the nineteenth century to the present day, these records provide valuable sources for researchers, students, educators and members of the public interested in the history of Botswana and Southern Africa.
Khama Family Archives
The Khama Family Archives contain primary documents and historical materials connected to Bangwato leadership and administration.
The collections include records relating to Khama III, Sekgoma II and Tshekedi Khama, whose leadership influenced the political, social and economic development of Gammangwato during periods of colonial engagement and transition.
Materials include:
- Official and personal correspondence;
- Administrative and governance records;
- Political and diplomatic documents;
- Historical manuscripts;
- Reports and memoranda; and
- Records relating to leadership, community affairs and regional development.
Together, these materials provide insight into decision-making, diplomacy, governance and the relationship between Bangwato leadership, local communities and colonial authorities.
Bessie Head Archive
The museum preserves a growing collection of materials connected to the life, work and intellectual legacy of Bessie Head.
During her years in Serowe, Bessie Head produced literary work that explored identity, belonging, displacement, community and social change. The archive supports continued research into her writing, her experiences in Botswana and her contribution to African literature.
The collection includes:
- Manuscripts and drafts;
- Correspondence;
- Published works;
- Research and reference materials; and
- Documentation relating to her life and literary contribution.
Research Access
Archival materials are available for consultation in accordance with the museum’s access, preservation, privacy and copyright policies.
Some collections may be subject to temporary or permanent restrictions because of:
- The physical condition of the material;
- Personal or sensitive information;
- Copyright requirements;
- Donor or collection agreements; or
- Cultural and ethical considerations.
Access is assessed responsibly to protect both the historical records and the people and communities represented within them.
Planning Your Research Visit
Researchers are encouraged to contact the museum before travelling or beginning a research project.
Submitting an enquiry in advance allows museum staff to:
- Identify relevant collections;
- Confirm whether materials are available;
- Advise on access restrictions;
- Prepare documents before the visit; and
- Provide information about research procedures and possible reproduction fees.
Using Archival Material
Researchers are expected to handle all materials carefully and follow instructions provided by museum staff.
Permission to view an archival item does not automatically include permission to photograph, reproduce, publish or distribute it. Separate approval may be required depending on the ownership, copyright status, condition and cultural sensitivity of the material.
Researchers are requested to acknowledge the Khama III Memorial Museum when archival materials are cited in publications, exhibitions, presentations or other research outputs.
Digital Archive Initiative
The museum is implementing a structured digitisation programme to preserve vulnerable archival materials and improve controlled access to its collections.
The programme includes the digitisation of historical documents, correspondence, photographs and other significant records. Digital copies are being organised and described to support long-term preservation, collection management and future research access.
The Digital Archive is currently available only to authorised users from the Khama III Memorial Museum and the University of Toronto Libraries as part of the ongoing digitisation project.
As the programme develops, selected materials may be made available to a wider audience in accordance with the museum’s access, privacy, copyright and cultural heritage policies.