Formerly the Hermanus History Society — now an affiliate of U3A Overberg, dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of the greater Hermanus area.
Interest in organising a local history group began in 2007, when the late SJ du Toit — a well-known writer on the people and places of Hermanus and Stanford — introduced Angela Heslop to the rich story of local history. Five key people formed a group and undertook the task of creating a timeline of the history of Hermanus, as requested by the Heritage and Aesthetics Committee.
Over the years the group grew, formally constituting itself as the Hermanus History Society (HHS) and building a programme of lectures, a growing library, and an archive of recorded talks that has reached audiences well beyond Hermanus.
In January 2025 the HHS amalgamated with U3A Overberg and was renamed the Hermanus History Interest Group (HHIG). All former HHS members automatically became members of U3A Overberg. The HHIG now operates as an affiliate of U3A, with two of its members serving on the U3A Overberg Management Committee.
Informal history group begins, creating a timeline of Hermanus history
Formally constituted as the Hermanus History Society
Amalgamated with U3A Overberg; renamed the Hermanus History Interest Group
Working towards becoming the premier source of information concerning the history of the greater Hermanus area (from Voelklip to Fisherhaven), the Hemel-en-Aarde valley and selected inland rural areas within the Overberg. This information is made freely available to all interested parties.
The affairs of the HHIG are handled by a committee of six volunteers, with Angela Heslop serving as Chairperson. Two HHIG members also serve on the Management Committee of U3A Overberg.
Lectures on matters of historical interest are presented monthly (December and July excluded). Details are advertised in the U3A Overberg weekly newsletter, also available on this website.
Our geographical focus spans the greater Hermanus area from Voelklip to Fisherhaven, the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, and selected inland rural areas — preserving stories that might otherwise be lost.
Historical talks and resources are made freely available to all interested parties — members and non-members alike. Membership of U3A Overberg includes access to all HHIG activities.
The HHIG has built up a growing collection of historical resources, freely available to all.
A number of our lectures have been recorded on video and are available on our YouTube channel — bringing Hermanus history to anyone, anywhere.
View on YouTube →The HHIG maintains a library of more than 100 books on the history of Hermanus and the Overberg, available to members. A full list can be found on our books page.
Browse the Library →A comprehensive list of all lectures presented by the HHIG over the years is available on this website, giving a sense of the breadth of history we have explored together.
View Articles →Membership of U3A Overberg gives you full access to all HHIG lectures, activities, and resources — along with the full U3A Overberg programme of weekly talks and events.
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