Welcome to Plett History
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
12 May 2022 – The Rise & Fall of the Brenton Blue Butterfly
Our first Public Event will be held on the 12th of May at Sky Villa when Graeme Young a well-known and notable Lepidopterist in Plett & the Garden Route will talk on “The Rise & Fall of the Brenton Blue Butterfly” duly illustrated with his many slides. The...
Latest Talks
GUY BUTLER (1918-2001) – South African poet, academic and playwright
David Butler, Headmaster of Greenwood Bay College in Plettenberg Bay speaks about his father...
FEAST AND FAMINE’ – The Fishing Industry of Plettenberg Bay
A talk given by Karin Kastern In the Knysna Plett Herald of 24 August 2017, we are introduced to...
“A failed experiment” The Silkworm Industry of Gouna
Speaker: Rayno Sciocattis In 1881 Rayno Sciocatti's Italian ancestors were brought out by...
François Le Vaillant – Journey into the Interior of Africa
François Le Vaillant: Journey into the Interior of Africa Summary of a talk given by D.J. Culpin...
Philip Caveney talks on The Woodcutter Settlements of the Southern Cape
Introduction This is a short account of the woodcutter settlements in the southern Cape and the...
Brenda Sheperd talks on The 100th Anniversary of the Sinking of the SS Mendi
It was a volatile time in South Africa at the outbreak of the First World War. Only 12 years had...
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
