U3A Overberg
&
Hermanus History Interest Group

Hermanus, Western Cape

Lifelong Learning & Living History

Welcome to the official website of U3A Overberg and its affiliate, the Hermanus History Interest Group — connecting our community through lifelong learning and shared heritage.

About Us
Who We Are

Two Organisations, One Shared Mission

U3A Overberg

The University of the Third Age (U3A) Overberg is a lifelong learning organisation for people in their Third Age — retired or semi-retired and ready to explore ideas. With 400+ members, two expert-led meetings a week, and a programme spanning history, science, music, travel, and more, there is always something stimulating on offer.

Talks are open to casual visitors too — everyone is welcome.

About U3A Overberg →

Hermanus History Interest Group

The HHIG (formerly the Hermanus History Society) is dedicated to becoming the premier source of information on the history of the greater Hermanus area — from Voelklip to Fisherhaven, through the Hemel-en-Aarde valley and selected inland areas.

Since amalgamating with U3A Overberg in January 2025, the HHIG presents monthly history lectures and maintains a library of over 100 books.

About the HHIG →
U3A Overberg

Society Newsletter

News, stories, and event updates — packed with articles, meeting reports, and upcoming events.

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Stories & Research

Latest Articles

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What’s Happening

News & Updates

Oct
2026

A Brief History of the Hemel en Aarde Leper Institute

The first reported outbreak of leprosy in the Cape Colony occurred in 1756, in the rural district of Stellenbosch. A commission was appointed and its recommendation that lepers…

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Sep
2026

The Station That Never Saw a Train

There is a story almost every Hermanus resident has heard. Sir William Hoy, General Manager of the South African Railways, supposedly prevented the railway from reaching Hermanus…

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Sep
2026

A Book talk by the author Skip Krige at Hermanus History Interest Group

For a book to garner continued interest months after its official launch, which was attended by more than 200 people, is no mean feat. This is exactly what the coffee table book…

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Sep
2026

Hermanus History over past 80 years a Talk with Brian McFarlane

Brian McFarlane reminiscences on Hermanus History over past 80 years

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Sep
2026

ORIGIN OF THE NAME “FICK’S POOL” REINVESTIGATED

A stranger looking at Fick’s Pool today would find it difficult to believe that this pool was once one of Hermanus’ top attractions and social hubs...

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Library & Publications

Our History Books

The Society has produced and collected a range of publications documenting the history of Hermanus and the Overberg.

Hermanus A Photographic History 1855 - 1955

Hermanus A Photographic History 1855 - 1955

A photographic history of Hermanus from 1855 to 1955, illustrated with more than 300 photographs and well-researched…

History of High Street, Hermanus: 1857 - 2021

History of High Street, Hermanus: 1857 - 2021

A history of High Street, Hermanus, tracing its development from 1857 to 2021.

The Cruel Harvest

The Cruel Harvest

Gives an account of the anatomy and behaviour of the Southern Right Whale while examining whaling's dark history…

Just Hermanus

Just Hermanus

Celebrates Hermanus's uniqueness through its whales, shoreline and valley, and honours the residents who preserved…

South Africa's Yesterday

South Africa's Yesterday

A 344-page illustrated history covering early motor cars, mining, warfare and daily life, with over 1,000 images in…

Tesselaarsdal

Tesselaarsdal

Explores the 200-year history of a unique mixed-race community, the impact of apartheid, land ownership struggles, and…

Van Riebeeck's Diary in Pictures

Van Riebeeck's Diary in Pictures

A pictorial adaptation of Van Riebeeck's diary, originally published in South African newspapers.

for keeps

for keeps

A collection of 30 articles (2013-2019) chronicling Hermanus's 150-year history, notable figures, hotels, and its…

View full library →
Reach Out

Get in Touch

We’d Love to Hear From You

Whether you have a story to share, a question about local history, or want to join the Society or U3A, please reach out — we welcome all enquiries.

  • info@hermanus-history-society.co.za
  • Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
  • Members meetings held monthly — see newsletter for dates
Send us a message →

Hermanus, Western Cape

34.4187° S, 19.2345° E