The trust was established in 1993 by a small group of individuals passionate about the history of Ladysmith and environs. Since then they have self funded a large number of heritage projects to the greater benefit of the whole community, solely as volunteers including: organising the International Conference in Ladysmith to mark the 110th Commemoration of the Anglo-Boer War Research; development, refurbishment and maintenance of the extensive Platrand Anglo-Boer War battlefield with its many important memorials and several cemeteries; memorializing history by erecting new memorials and reinterpreting older ones; commemorative events; publications; architectural conservation; book launches; satellite museums; surveys and more. Several projects are planned for the next few years.