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Western Cape archives

September 17 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
R300 – R400

Behind the scenes at this treasure trove of original documents stretching back from the mid-1600s to the present. Join us for a tour of the Western Cape Archive, followed by a brief presentation on how best to use this phenomenal, free resource.

Our host and leader is Helen Joannides, who oversees public programmes and outreach at the Archive. (Helen has a Master’s in Heritage Studies and in 2010 set up the Western Cape Museum Educator Group.)

The Western Cape Archive has mainly government records spanning nearly 400 years. We’ll hear how the archive has evolved and its hopes for future developments (it is running out of storage space).

We’ll glimpse some of the huge holdings, including original documents from the Dutch East India Company (VOC) with signatures of their leaders here, notably the first commander of the Cape, Jan van Riebeeck. 

Part of the tour is the dark room where key documents are being digitised.

In the Conservation Section. Mary Minicka, Head of Preservation, will show us what she and her colleagues are working on and why.

For the last 30 minutes, seasoned Culture Connectors can ask archivists in the main Reading Room for assistance with a project. Meanwhile, for newbies like myself, there’ll be a case study on how best to use the Archives and Q&A.

R300 paying pre-7 September, then R400 per person

To book, get bank details and more info kate@cultureconnectsa.com

072 377 8014

Western Cape Archives and Records Service

72 Roeland St, Gardens

Cape Town, 8001

Free parking at the Archive off Drury Lane – image and map will be part of the briefing sent closer to the time

The Archives is free to visit. For programmes and outreach contact archives.outreach@westerncape.gov.za, 021 483 0456. For research enquiries: erika.leroux@westerncape.gov.za or 021 483 0405/6 

Resources on:https://www.westerncape.gov.za/service/western-cape-archives

Thursday, 17 September 2026, 10h00 to noon

This tour is twice a year.

To book, get payment options or ask questions, email:

kate@cultureconnectsa.com WhatsApp +27 (0)72 377 8014

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