Changes
Ongoing discussions are still taking place on interior design for the museum. New lighting has been installed in the main gallery. The Trustees are grateful to EEC Lighting Auckland for their generous contribution of materials for the lighting upgrade. Upgraded signage and murals are being prepared for both York St and The Strand entrances. Graphic designer Cameron Gibb has offered his expertise in preparing an image for the museum.
Inside a security system has been installed and the foyer repainted.
Shop
The larger shop and increase in variety of merchandise has proved popular. This additional income has helped with the running costs of the museum. With overseas postings for Christmas imminent, our shop provides a range of interesting gift suggestions.
Changing Displays
Four temporary exhibitions were mounted in the entry area this year: Russell Review Photography Competition (Dec – Feb), Cook at the Bay (March – May), New at the Museum and Four Interesting Places on the Heritage Trail (June – Aug), and Russell Regatta (Sept – Nov).
Publications
A small booklet Cook in the Bay telling of Captain James Cook and the Endeavour’s visit to the Bay of Islands in 1769 was launched in March. Illustrations are by Christine Hall. The museum was also successful in having C ome Back Ginger, a children’s tale set in Kororareka 1845 republished by Reed. The museum is presently working on a reprint of its popular Russell Heritage Trail, originally printed in 1992 and which has sold 20,000 copies.
Acquisitions
The museum has continued to add books, photos and papers to its archives. Major acquisitions include: two videos with historic footage by Zane Grey, the Greta Henry Collection of Russell water colours, a traditional Maori rain cape, and an index for Russell Review 1977-99 prepared by Auckland Archivist Suzanne Hamilton.
Computer Records
Over the last five years information on the museum collection has been entered into Vernon Systems. There are now more than 14,000 entries. This includes artefacts, books, photos, newspaper clippings etc. There is an excellent retrieval system to enable topics to be more readily researched.
Marketing
A Museum Trustee attended the Northland Museums Association Marketing Seminar. This led to the preparation of a questionnaire for visitors to find out more information about them to help with future planning. Russell Museum is also part of the Northland Museums Association and Te Papa websites.
Purpose
The Russell Museum’s Mission Statement is to preserve the history and heritage of Russell/Kororareka and environs. A Board of Trustees elected three yearly from the community manages it. The Annual General Meeting will be held on 19 Feb 2001 at the Museum and welcomes anyone from the community who would like to attend.
Present Trustees are: Clive Arlidge, chairman, Brian Baker, Lorraine Hill, Gill Jones, Claire Jones, Eldon Jackson, John Gibb, Andrew Riddell. Diane Smith (Kawakawa Community Board), Joan Hill (Russell Library),
Staff: Heather Lindauer (curator), Dianne Davey (secretary/treasurer), Helen Ough Dealy, Pat McNicoll. (Museum assistants). Volunteers: Dayle Howard and Novi Browning.
The museum offers a photocopying, faxing and laminating service and the gift shop specialises in a range of souvenirs and Northland books.
Support these services and bring your visitors to the Museum and enjoy our video of Russell’s history. Hours: 10 am – 4 pm (5pm in Jan), Entry: $3 adults, 50c children.
