Once again we have mounted several short term exhibitions. We hope you had the opportunity to visit and see these exhibitions.
From Dec 05 to Feb 06 it was Windy Harbour – the story of Whangamumu which told the story of the shore based whaling station operated for 50 years by the Cook family of Russell who had a steam whaler Hananui and also a local boarding house of the same name.
From March to May Not Granny’s Attic told the story of the growth of the museum which celebrated its founding 50 years ago this year. There were images of the small wooden museum room, the arrival of the Endeavour, the 1970 and 1990 additions, and the redesign of the interior.
Harakeke NZ Flax was our Matariki exhibition from June to August telling of an important export product from the Bay and displayed flax weaving.
Through the Lens of a Camera again from Sept to Nov featured a further 200 photos taken by Ian Hanlon of Russell people and places in the 1950s and 60s.
The Dec 06 to Feb 07 exhibition Best of the Bay will mark 120 years service to the tourist industry by Fullers. Car and passenger ferries, tourist launches, game fishing boats, launches, dolphin encounters and beach tours – all developed from a small family business initially for maritime freight transport.
The museum has republished Old Russell – New Zealand ‘s first capital by Jack Lee, the story of Okiato.
A more ambitious project is a republication of The Children of Rangi and Papa – the Maori story of creation featuring the poems and paintings of the late Russell artist Pauline Kahurangi Yearbury by kind permission of her husband. A book launch is planned for late November.
Russell Museum celebrated its 50th birthday with a party and the launching of a presentation of 500 photos from its photo archives set in an easy to use computer programme. Present and past staff, trustees, volunteers and residents gathered to mark this special occasion.
Funding and consents have been granted for a new shelter for our whaleboat and making a cradle for the boat to be followed by its preservation. Having the whaleboat on our waterfront entrance will provide a great point of interest and acknowledge our important heritage as a port of call for visiting whalers.
A landscape plan has been drawn up for the grounds to add seats, plantings and acknowledge the Tamati Waka Nene Maori Reserve that we care for. This will add interest to our site and be more inviting.
Russell Museum is pleased to share our knowledge with the readers of Russell Lights. Heritage Corner and Treasure/Taonga have become regular features in this publication. We also publicise our exhibitions and events by putting out press releases in the local papers.
The museum continues to add books, photos and papers to its archives. It welcomes any material that adds to our knowledge of Russell and its environs.
Russell Museum is pleased to be part of a school package with Pompallier, DOC Visitor Centre and R Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust to provide visiting school groups with a Russell experience.
Russell Museum’s aim is to preserve the history and heritage of Russell. It is self supporting with Trustees and volunteers, as well as paid staff.
Regular visitors to the museum are welcome to become a Friend of the Museum.
We also offer a photocopying, faxing and laminating service.
Russell Museum has an excellent shop specialising in Northland books and great gift ideas for all ages.
In 2007 the Russell Centennial Trust Board will be requesting nominations for Trustees. Have you thought about becoming a Trustee? Please come and talk to us at the Museum if you are interested.