Fish Hoek Valley Museum

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AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | Peers’ Cave Tour | OPEN: Tuesday – Saturday | MORE INFO: Facebook Page

Table of Contents

Introduction

Situated in the Western Cape, the Fish Hoek Valley Museum is a small treasure trove of historical significance. This private museum boasts a diverse range of exhibits that document the rich heritage of the area. From the remains of the Fish Hoek man to the local environment and the whaling industry, the displays offer a fascinating insight into the past. Visitors to this small museum will be captivated by the interpretive displays and guided walks, as well as the extensive collection of local archives.

About the Museum

The Fish Hoek Valley Museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history of the area, including the early Stone Age site where the remains of ‘Fish Hoek man’ were found. This site, known as Peers’ Cave, was discovered and excavated by Victor Peers, an amateur archaeologist, and his son Bertie in 1927.

The museum has a few rooms filled with exhibits, including interpretative displays of the excavations that led to the discovery of ‘Fish Hoek man’, stone tools found in the Fish Hoek Valley, and photographs from the excavation in the 1920s.

One room documents the history of the Fish Hoek Farm, the founding of the village, and its growth, with displays of old photographs of the area, local history, and local culture. Another room contains a display on whales and dolphins, including the history of whaling in Fish Hoek Bay.

Interesting Facts

Peers’ Cave is an important historical site and was declared a National Monument in January 1941.
Fish Hoek man’s skull had the largest brain area of any skull of its age found up until that time, and has been dated at 12,000 years old.
The museum also has a collection of local archives, and visitors can browse through over a thousand photographs of the area from Lakeside to Kommetjie and an almost complete collection of Fish Hoek Echoes, which tell the social history of Fish Hoek.
For those interested in learning more, the museum arranges guided walks of the Fish Hoek area, specifically to Peers’ Cave, and local history talks for groups can be arranged by appointment.

Physical Location

Conclusion

The Fish Hoek Valley Museum is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in archaeology, local history, and the natural world. The exhibits are informative and engaging, and visitors are sure to leave with a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of this fascinating region of the Western Cape. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, the Fish Hoek Valley Museum is not to be missed.