HAHNDORF ARCHIVES -  located at  Beerenberg Family Farm

2106 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf, South Australia  5245

This page is now directly accessible by entering     
hahndorf.org.au/archives - via your web browser.

Beerenberg Foundation  -  Hahndorf’s history as you’ve never seen it before

The Beerenberg Foundation has established the HAHNDORF-ARCHIVES, which are housed in a dedicated building located within the Beerenberg Family Farm in Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, primarily to contain the personal archives of the legendary Reg Butler O.A.M, a celebrated South Australian historian whose legacy we are now the proud guardians. 

Beerenberg Family FarmA local luminary, Reg's passion for the intricate stories of our town's past shines through his extensive collection of books, maps, diaries, and more, which are now housed on our family farm here in Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. 

View the personal archives of this local historian and step into the rich tapestry of Hahndorf's history, discovering the vibrant narrative of Hahndorf's Lutheran heritage and early settlers, curated by Reg's meticulous research, which spanned decades.  From the first wave of immigration to the ever-changing fabric of community life, immerse yourself in the legacy of this remarkable historian.  These archives offer a window into the rich heritage of not only our town but also the broader landscape of South Australia.

The materials and views contained in these historical archives represent the perspectives and contexts of the time in which they were created.  They do not necessarily reflect the current views or values of Beerenberg.  We present these materials as part of our commitment to preserving historical records and fostering an understanding of the past.  We encourage viewers to critically engage with these documents, considering the context in which they were produced.

We acknowledge the Peramangk people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Hills region.  We recognise their continuing connection to the land, waters, and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Location of Archives

Hahndorf Archives EntranceThe Hahndorf-Archives are located at the Beerenberg Family Farm, Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf, South Australia  5245, which is a well known known and respected strawberry farm, manufacturer of jams, sauces and condiments, and major tourist attraction owned and operated by the Paech Family.  The Hahndorf-Archives are installed within a restored previous residence originally part of the former farmstead of Gottfried Lubasch and Ann Dorothea Greiser.

Background and History of Archives

  • R.G. (Reg) Butler Collection  -  Reg Butler with his intense interest in people and places and his exceptional knowledge of local history particularly relating to the original Lutheran immigration to Hahndorf, imposed a strong and highly respected presence and authority regarding his broad historical research which extended over an extensive period of time.  Reg was born 12 February 1941 and died 29 December 2024.

Reg ButlerHe had written over 20 historical publications, dedicated countless hours to community service, genealogy and local history groups, and had been a member of numerous genealogical, pioneer and historical societies.  He was appointed Education Officer for Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills in 1991.  Reg accepted voluntary retirement from the SA Education Department in 1994 allowing him to concentrate on his main remaining interests which included completion of the Hahndorf Land Titles Database, Germanic Shipping Lists, Adelaide Hills Hotels and Publicans, and general genealogical investigations.

In 1979, Reg Butler purpose-built a building adjacent to his residence in Hahndorf to house his comprehensive library and research data.  This building was literally ‘bursting at the seams’ with all the information and other items contained within.  Over many years Reg attempted to find other suitable permanent accommodation to house his collection, but to no avail.  However, when Reg was admitted to a Nursing Home in [ Month, Year required ]  it became essential that such alternative accommodation was found otherwise his collection could be lost.

The Paech Family (Beerenberg)

Beerenberg Foundation  -  In January 2024 the Paech Family via the Beerenberg Foundation accepted custody of the Reg Butler Research Collection on behalf of the people of Hahndorf, and they provided a restored residence on their property (Beerenberg Family Farm)  to house his entire very extensive collection.  They also provide complete overview and management of the Hahndorf-Archives and Volunteers.

The above highly commendable action by the Paech/Beerenberg Family is considered by the Hahndorf and wider Adelaide Hills communities to be of utmost importance and cannot be praised enough - many thanks.

  • E.A. (Allan) Wittwer (1942-2004) Collection  -  Another substantial collection is the personal research work of the late author and historian Allan Wittwer.

Wittwer collection awaiting to be sorted by Volunteers.Allan compiled his research collection over an extensive period of time which involved Hahndorf family histories, extensive photographic collections, many publications and  written information on historical and heritage matters.  He was also involved (usually in senior positions) in many organisations  and the Lutheran Church.

In May 2024, the Lutheran Archives transferred custody of the Allan Wittwer research collection to Beerenberg.  The reason for this was that the Lutheran Archives had to decide which repository was the best for context and access.  As Beerenberg had been given custody of the Reg Butler research collection on behalf of the people of Hahndorf, it was decided that as the Allan Wittwer collection was a complementary collection it should sit alongside it.  This additional collection will be made accessible via the Hahndorf-Archives to the public as soon as practicable.

  • Other Collections - Other suitable collections/items of relevant material and data will be added to the Hahndorf-Archives over time if considered appropriate.  All such items must have suitable and relevant connections to Hahndorf's historical and heritage background to be accepted and may include appropriate genealogical research.

Broad Scope of Contents of Archives

It is intended that the Reg Butler collection will form the basis for the Hahndorf-Archives overall collection.  However, appropriate additional collections, such as the Wittwer collection, will be added over time to add to the scope and overall potential of the Archives. 

Material and information available includes:

  • Books and Publications both authored by contributors and of specific and general interest.
  • Information regarding South Australian Genealogy, Land Titles and local history.
  • Family history re first settlers and their descendants.
  • Extensive photographic collections of people and places.
  • Information re First Special Survey and the associated partners
  • Local and Germanic Shipping Lists
  • Adelaide Hills Hotels and Publicans
  • Hahndorf and Mt Barker Land Titles Databases,

Computer Files and Data

The Hahndorf-Archives are not directly connected to the Internet, however an external Hahndorf-Archives LocalWiki region has been created   https://localwiki.org/hahndorf-archives  for this purpose so that eventually all digital files and information will be readily available externally via this site.

Currently, all Reg Butler's current computer files and other relevant data is being transcribed to the above site.  As other relevant digital information becomes available it will be similarly treated.

Please note that all information contained within the Hahndorf-Archives LocalWiki region site will have open access for all to read, but will be closed for editing and similar procedures.  This means that if you desire to have additional digital information added to the site, it will be necessary to contact Natasha PAECH, who is the Coordinator of the Archives via email at  [email protected]  for approval and to arrange any necessary procedures.

Reg Butler's Computer Files - Please note that a major portion of Reg Butler's computer files have already been transcribed for access via the Adelaide Hills LocalWiki.  They can be directly accessed  by clicking on the following link -  Reg Butler Original Files

Visiting Archives

As the Archives are operated by Volunteers only on certain days, it is essential to arrange visits by appointment only.  This can best be done by email:   [email protected]   to schedule your visit and make any required arrangements.  Address all inquiries to Natasha PAECH who is the Coordinator of the Archives.

Volunteering

The operation of and the continuing success of the Hahndorf-Archives is completely reliant on the work of numerous volunteers whose input is greatly appreciated.  Without their continuing input and support the Archives would not be able to continue operating satisfactorily.

If you are interested in volunteering and supporting this interesting and much appreciated project in any way, please contact Natasha PAECH  Archives Coordinator for additional information.

Access to Catalogue of Archives

An extensive catalog system using the 'Tiny Cat' catalog system is being used for the Hahndorf-Archives.

This catalog is currently under construction by a dedicated group of volunteers, and it is anticipated that it will not be completed for some considerable time.  However, the current version can  can be directly accessed at any time via the link --- www.librarycat.org/lib/hahndorf-archives

Disclaimer

All material, data and information contained in the Hahndorf-Archives has been compiled by external sources and may contain conflicting information, inaccuracies, and other discrepancies.  In a number of cases the sources of data and information is not disclosed.  No attempt has or will be made by the Hahndorf-Archives to verify any of the data and information submitted before including it in the Archives for public access.

As a result, the Beerenberg Foundation and the Hahndorf-Archives accept no responsibility in any manner for the accuracy or otherwise of any content of items, data or material held.

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