SIMON’S TOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

FOUNDED IN 1960

TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT OUR HERITAGE

REGISTERED AS A CONSERVATION BODY

Aims and Objectives of the Simon’s Town Historical Society

The Simon's Town Historical Society was established in 1960 to collect information and artefacts with a view to establishing a Museum in Simon's Town. This aim was realised and the Simon's Town Museum opened in 1977.

The first Bulletin of the Society appeared in January 1961 and in this issue one can find our full constitution, but briefly some of our functions are:

The preservation and promotion of the rich cultural heritage and ongoing history of this unique naval town.
The collection, collation, preservation and exhibition of objects, documents, photographs and books concerning the history of Simon's Town.

One of the Society's main aims is to help the Museum. To this end members of the Society become Friends of the M Museum and a third of the members' annual subscriptions are paid to the Simon's Town Museum.

The Society plays an important part in keeping an eye on our main street - "The Historic Mile" as it is known - on which there is a preservation order. It stretches from the railway station to the old East Dockyard Gate. We have also paid for many plaques to be placed around the town at sites of historical interest.

Other important projects undertaken in recent years are:

The complete restoration (in conjunction with the SA Navy) of the Martello Tower built by the British in 1796.
The survey of the Water mill at the SA Naval Sports field at Glencairn.
The manufacture of an authentic gun carriage for an eight pounder VOC cannon now positioned at the Simon's Town Museum.
The restoration of the Burgraaff / De Waal Family Vault (1868) in the Old Burying Ground in Simon's Town.
Researching the history of Simon's Town is an ongoing activity.
The Society organises monthly public lectures which are held in the museum hall.

We have about 300 members (2011), both in South Africa and overseas.

We arrange tours to places of interest around the Cape Peninsula.

The Annual General Meeting of the Society is held in April. All paid-up members of the Society are invited to participate.

Membership

Membership is open to anyone interested in the objectives of the Society. The most advantageous way to learn about this historical town and its interesting history is to join the Simon's Town Historical Society. Your membership will automatically make you a "Friend Of The Simon's Town Museum".

Some Benefits of Membership

Free admission to the Simon’s Town Museum
Annual Historical Bulletin
Simon’s Town Chronicle - Newsletter
Monthly Lecture Series
Discount of 10%when presenting Membership Card at

The Museum Shop

Just Nuisance Historical Harbour Cruise

Wordsworth Books (Long Beach Only)

The Sweetest Thing (week days)

Membership Fees

The present membership fee is R40 for the first member of a family and R10 each for subsequent members. The cost of subscription for overseas members can be obtained from the Membership Secretary email members@simonstown.org

Enjoy our history and join us in preserving and sharing it. We will be delighted to welcome YOU as a member. To join the Historical Society, please send an email to members@simonstown.org and we will forward you a form - or right click and download the form from here (Save Link or Target As - Word format). Print and complete the application form and either post it (along with the applicable membership fee) to P.O. Box 56, Simon's Town 7995 or hand it in at the front shop at the Simon's Town Museum.