Old First Church | Bennington

Information

Landmark: Old First Church
City: Bennington
Country: USA Vermont
Continent: North America

Old First Church, Bennington, USA Vermont, North America

The Houet Regional Cultural Center is a facility dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of the Houet province, located in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

Visual Characteristics

The center is constructed primarily from laterite stone, giving it a reddish-brown hue. The main building features a rectangular footprint with a pitched roof covered in corrugated metal. Architectural elements incorporate traditional Sahelian design principles, including small, recessed windows and a central courtyard. The exterior walls are unpainted, revealing the natural texture of the stone.

Location & Access Logistics

The Houet Regional Cultural Center is situated approximately 3 kilometers west of Bobo Dioulasso's city center. Access is via Avenue de l'Unité Africaine, turning south onto Rue 12. The facility has a dedicated, unpaved parking area sufficient for approximately 20 vehicles. Public transport options include local taxis and the Bobo-Dioulasso urban bus service, with stops located within a 500-meter walk of the center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Houet Regional Cultural Center was completed in 1987. It was designed by the architectural firm of the Ministry of Culture of Burkina Faso with the objective of serving as a repository and exhibition space for the diverse cultural artifacts and traditions of the Houet region. The site itself is situated on relatively flat terrain typical of the Sudanese savanna biome.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exhibitions of traditional masks, musical instruments, and pottery are permanently displayed. Visitors can observe demonstrations of traditional weaving techniques on specific days. The center also houses a small archive of local oral histories. Guided tours are available upon request at the reception desk.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the main building. Limited shade is provided by the building's overhangs and a few mature trees in the courtyard. Cell phone signal (2G/3G) is generally available. There are no on-site food vendors, but small local eateries are located within a 1-kilometer radius.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for visiting is between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM or 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to avoid the midday heat. The dry season, from November to February, offers the most comfortable weather conditions. No specific tide requirements are applicable.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact housed within the center is a collection of ceremonial spears believed to have been used by the Koro people during initiation rites. Local lore suggests that the spirits of ancestors are invoked when these spears are displayed during specific ceremonies.