The Society was founded in 1959, to highlight different aspects of the City’s past, once it had achieved Borough status with an elected  Mayor and Town Council. It is a cultural organization that promotes historical interest and research into local history in the Port Elizabeth/Nelson Mandela Bay Metro area.

Membership is open to all persons or organisations in sympathy with the aims of the Society and an application form can be downloaded from the relevant drop-down page. Members receive monthly notifications of events via email and a copy of our Journal, Looking Back, published towards the end of the year. Corresponding Members are only entitled to the journal.

Outings or presentations are arranged regularly and may include half- and full-day excursions, lectures, an Annual Lunch or Christmas Tea. A small charge is occasionally levied for these events, especially when refreshments are provided. Visits to places of interest are organised on a self-drive basis to cut costs.

Research
The Society does not undertake personal research, but will try to assist with queries from the public provided they are directed via the Secretary.