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Call to help preserve the past
In an attempt to showcase Plett’s rich history, the Van Plettenberg Historical Society appeals to the local community to supply anecdotes and photographs to be included and preserved on its website.
“The website is frequently accessed and we receive and respond to a steady flow of requests for information about Plett,” the team said.
Many people in Plett might not be aware of the existence of the Van Plettenberg Historical Society and the important role it has played in exploring and preserving the history of Plettenberg Bay. It was established by a group of residents in 1980.
The members are committed to the collection and collation of information about Plett and the area; collection and preservation of documents; preservation of buildings and artefacts of historical interest; distributing the information and knowledge gathered to the wider public; and identifying places of interest by means of plaques, as formalised in the constitution.
The non-profit organisation has hosted some 200 talks over the past 40 years. Subjects have ranged from the local history and pre-history, from the last Ice Age to the comparatively recent past and include historical events that took place further afield but have links to South Africa.
In addition, it has been directly involved in the preservation of the Timber Shed, the Harker graves and the navigation beacons. It helped conserve the buildings that now house The Old House Shop and Nguni Restaurant. The Old Post Office remains in its original position and The Old Rectory was transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel that retains many of the original features of one of our oldest buildings.
The society erected a series of display cabinets along Main Road containing historical photographs of Plettenberg Bay.
“There are many people in Plett with a wealth of local knowledge, photographs and anecdotes about the history and development of our beautiful town. Sadly, time passes and without a concerted effort, these stories and resources will be lost to future generations.
“The Van Plettenberg Historical Society wishes to embark on a very ambitious project to digitally capture as much material as possible and store this precious archive on our website.”
To assist in this project, please e-mail to info@pletthistory.org.