New Display Layout
The museum was closed for 6 weeks in August/September so that Stage Two of the museum redevelopment could take place. This involved relining and painting walls, new carpeting throughout the building, new lighting, display cases, labels and text panels. The new display of artefacts portrays our history since the arrival of European explorers, whalers and settlers with a strong emphasis on our maritime history.
The Trustees are grateful for funding from the ASB Community Trust and Russell RSA, and the work of Richard Wolfe museum design consultant, Graham Lochmann (carpentry) and Bruce Howell (painter). Tony Gilbert and trustee John Gibb have improved lighting and trustee Antony Hanlon has cleaned the Endeavour model washing sails, renewing ropes and removing dirt and grime.
The museum has a fresh new look and we hope you will visit.
Next Stage
The Trustees are now planning Stage 3 to be undertaken winter 2004. This involves a renovation of the Marie King Gallery to provide space for temporary displays, space for the video presentation, and a general research area involving computers. This last aspect will be an ongoing project to make accessible photos and other material from our archives.
Planning work is still continuing on a new whaleboat shelter in our grounds, closer to the waterfront.
Treasures For The Museum
The museum received historic Russell photos from Robert Florance and Poppy Reid. It has purchased or been given Northland books to add to the Museum research library.
New Russell Books
Public demand required us to print a further 100 copies of “Of Captains, Colonists and Convicts” by Des Price, which tells the early history of the Cook and Williams family in Russell.
We have approval from the family of the late Charlotte Larkin to reprint her booklet “Puawananga – the Adobe Cottage” that tells her story of building her cottage at Long Beach from bricks made with clay and sand found on site. The cottage with its unusual windows still attracts visitors today, as a tribute to a woman who realised a dream.
The Museum will reprint the booklet with additional photos of Charlotte supplied by her grand-daughter Pat.
Great Shopping
The Museum shop has been redesigned with new display shelving. It still specialises in Northland books and souvenirs. Income from the shop helps to provide extra funds for Museum running costs. The shop has an interesting range of gift ideas.
About Us
The Museum Mission Statement is to preserve the history and heritage of Russell/Kororareka and its environs. It has a library and archives, as well as its collection on computer. It continues to record oral history. It is a member of Northland Museums Association, Tai Tokerau Maori and Cultural Tourism Association and the Russell Business Association.
Trustees: Lorraine Hill (chair), Claire Jones (deputy), Brian Baker, John Gibb, Eldon Jackson, Andrew Riddell, Jill Williams, Harold Williams. Library representative: Colleen Bottrell, Kawakawa Community Board Representative Maxine Shortland, and Kaumatua Clive Arlidge.
Staff: Heather Lindauer (curator), Dianne Davey (administrator), Pat McNicoll, Dale Salmon, Helen Ough Dealy (museum assistants). Volunteers: Joan Nicholls, Dot Bowdler, and Penny Beard.
