The Rosendal Heritage Association

The purpose of being, according to Carl Jung, is to kindle a light in darkness. And it is in this spirit that The Rosendal Heritage Association came into being in 2022, uniting a group of local volunteers to undertake the painstaking, but rewarding, tasks of heritage conservation, uncovering hidden context and creating narratives through historical research. 

Along the way, the origins and trajectory of the very pleasant little Free State town of Rosendal has been illuminated; old sandstone and other historic buildings on the high street have been physically restored, historic blue plaques installed, the streets landscaped, and historic documents repaired. Engaging narratives have been uncovered, telling us how this small, frontier, settlement in an isolated corner of the Eastern Free State, came into being in the early 20^th Century and what it went on to become. That includes its very unique 100 plus year arc of development from unfinished boom town to ghost town and back again. 

Initially, heritage conservation was done in relative isolation by Rosendal residents. It was only in January 2024, following a visit to Rosendal of the Heritage Association of South Africa chair, Kathy Munro, that we became a member of SAHA. One of only three in the Free State, Rosendal is SAHA’s newest chapter and works in association, with our peer group neighbours, Clarens and Petrus Steyn. 

As an explanation of what the Rosendal Heritage Association has been doing, let us outline some of our activities in the last year, and since our founding in 2022. 

• A blue plaque programme has been initiated, providing, informative, narrative precis of the history of the main historic buildings in town, including the old Post Office, the former Barclays bank, the first General Dealer Store, the old Blacksmiths, the NGK Church and many others. This is distinct from the South Africa Heritage Association own blue plaque programme. The plaques are meant to illuminate local history and celebrate heritage. The programme is being extended through historical research and will be rolled out for a number of new buildings in 2025. 
• The town’s original 1911 survey map was digitally copied. The last known intact copy was, kindly, lent by our local municipal office and a high-resolution copy created. Low resolution copies are downloadable, free, by clicking HERE. High resolution copies by request from WeTransfer. 
• Physical restoration of the historic Rosendal Cemetery was initiated, utilising funds from our local town committee, that involves residents of both Rosendal and Mautse.
• Commission and installation of a sotho themed steel sculpture, representing Sotho King Moeshoe and Sotho culture more generally. The sculpture, by artist James Delaney, was blessed by a local Sangoma and Sotho cultural groups, and formally welcomed by our community. The sculpture style closely resembles the iconic, laser cut steel wildlife sculptures now associated with the, restored, The Wilds Park in Lower Houghton Johannesburg. 
• A local history museum project is being taken forward. 
• Contribution of a Rosendal chapter to the soon to be published book, “Sandstone Buildings of the Eastern Free State” by Otterly Press and Jacqueline Kalley.

All this and more of the allure of Rosendal can be seen by visitors who walk the town, ask questions and engage with locals. The Rosendal Heritage Association is open to anyone who wishes to join and take on the pleasant and rewarding tasks of celebrating local heritage. 

To contact us for any reason, call or send a message to: 
Douglas Mason + 27 72 824 915 • us@douglasmason.ca
Marna Van den Berg +27 82 493 7711 • unlockpe@yahoo.com
Robin Moorby-Prinsloo  +27 84 548 7445 • diedorpshuisies@gmail.com

Rosendal Heritage Properties is dedicated to preserving the unique architectural heritage of our town. For further information visit Rosendalheritageproperties.co.za