Welcome to The Van Plettenberg Historical Society
The Van Plettenberg Historical Society was established in 1980. A non-profit organisation, it has staged some 175 talks over the last 30 years. Subjects have ranged largely over the fascinating local history (and pre-history) of the area, from the last Ice Age to the comparatively recent past.
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Latest Talks
Joachim Van Plettenberg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7NQ5zqWVg8
Passes, Poorts and Switchbacks. The Bain Legacy
Arguably the greatest of these road builders and engineers was Thomas Bain – probably the best known of the 19th century road makers who played such a major part in opening the hinterland of the Cape Colony .
Preserving the Past, Designing the Future: The Old Rectory’s Elegant Evolution.
The Old Rectory on Friday 16th May when Dael Fairbairn, principal of award-winning Erasmus Fairbairn Architects, will tell us how she came to be entrusted with the restoration and transformation of The Old Rectory into a luxury boutique hotel.
Known for their meticulous attention to detail, Fairbairn’s firm specializes in creating buildings that embody the genius loci (spirit of place) in every project they undertake.
While a list of talks has been provided elsewhere on this site, we also show some
places of historical interest. These will be added to over time.
About us
The Van Plettenberg Historical Society was established in 1980. A non-profit organisation, it has staged some 175 talks over the last 30 years. Subjects have ranged largely over the fascinating local history (and pre-history) of the area, from the last Ice Age to the comparatively recent past.
We would also welcome voluntary contributions towards the Society’s activities. Members of the Historical Society are also available to answer questions about the archaeology of the area; its more recent, recorded or documented history; or to visit together some or all of the historical relics and exhibits.
The Constitution enjoins members to
- Collect and collate information.
- Distribute and make available to a wider public the fruits of these activities.
- Preserve buildings and artefacts of historical interest.
- Collect and preserve documents.
Transcripts or summaries
Transcripts or summaries of the talks are available on request to the Society. They will be forwarded by email or post for a fee, which covers the costs of scanning or photocopying (if necessary). For further information on the history of Plettenberg Bay and related matters

