This museum is also known as the Natal Settlers Museum. The property originally extended from the Bay to St Andrew's Street, and belonged to a man named Ferreira. In 1849 it was purchased by John Goodrick who, with the help of his son, built a two-roomed wattle and daub cottage upon it.
The following year, it was sold to a Mr Hoorsing, who in his turn sold it to George Robinson in 1858. Robinson was the publisher of the Natal Mercury, the first daily newspaper in Natal and whose son Sir John was the first Prime Minister of Natal. First opened in 1954, and now features a re-creation of the Robinsons' family home. This Old House Museum is housed in an authentic old house typical of the Colonial era. Set on park-like grounds this veranda home's replica architecture is historically notable. Built by the Durban City Council, this site was donated for heritage purposes by George Churton Collins and opened on the 12th of June 1954. It serves to represent Durban's first example of the elite class lifestyle introduced by the Victorian Settlers. Antique adornments tell a tale of the everyday life of the Robinson Family who are represented by mannequins dressed in period fashion. Sir John Robinson owned Durban's newspaper and was Natal's first Prime Minister. Household history furnishes the ambiance of yesteryear with fascinating fixtures, fitting and fine furniture.
It was declared a National Monument under old NMC legislation on 28 November 1975