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.
Upcoming Meetings
Thursday 16 February 2023 – Tragic fate of the São Gonçalo.
Thursday 16 February 2023 Time: 17:30 for 18:00 Price: R150 per head including talk and refreshments. Speaker: David Hall-Green. Well-known Plett thespian, raconteur and committee member of The Van Plettenberg Historical Society, David Hall-Green, will tell us about...
Latest Talks
Peter Rattray and the evolution of Fairview House
Our final event for the year at Fairview Estate was a resounding success. The weather behaved, and...
The origins of the Clumber Church
In the first of a series of articles COURTENEY GEORGE BRADFIELD looks at the origins of the...
FOREST HALL HISTORY A HOT TOPIC
ARTICLE CREDIT: Knysna Plett Herald - Correspondent Yolandé Stander | Tuesday, 30 August 2022,...
The most callous mass migration of people in the history of the British Empire
Our second talk was held at Formosa Garden Village – commemorating 200 years since the arrival of...
The Rise & Fall of the Brenton Blue Butterfly
Our first talk was held at Sky Villa where members and friends enjoyed views over Plettenberg Bay...
Rosiland Ballingall
Hi All, The Rosiland saga has sat with me for over the 40 years that I have lived in Plett. I...
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
Transcripts or summaries
- 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
