Tourist ware
Russell Museum has a fine collection of tourist china objects - plates, cups and saucers, a shaving mug and a cruet set, on display.
These were a popular souvenir for tourists to remember their visit of the area.
The transfer designs depict the Russell waterfront or the church, the oldest existing church in New Zealand.
Gamefishing and Tourism
Kororareka became Russell in 1844 and gradually became the town it is today.
Because of its seaside position it became a centre for leisure activities. American writer Zane Grey visited and enjoyed the gamefishing. His books Angler's Eldorado and Tales of a Fisherman's Log helped establish the town as a base for deep sea gamefishing.
This signed photo is of Zane Grey fishing in the Bay of Islands.
Russell Museum has a tent, a camera, a set of binoculars and a telescope that belonged to him.
Also on display are early gamefishing rods and reels.
Tourists came in increasing numbers to Russell, at first by coastal steamer and later, when roads were improved, by car and passenger ferries. Russell Museum archives have a good collection of old tourist brochures and photos of the many boats associated with fishing and tourism.