Stage 3 of our Renovations
The Marie King gallery has been lined and painted and new spot lighting installed. Partitions have created a corner for viewing the Historic Russell video and for research (computers still to be purchased and data entry to be on going over the next few years). The main part of the gallery will be a flexible space for short term displays. Two new display cases and folding screens have been purchased. Carpentry work was done by Graham Lochmann and electrical work by Tony Gilbert and Trustee John Gibb. The Trustees are grateful for funding assistance from the Kawakawa Community Board and Lottery Heritage.
New Attraction! Changing Exhibitions
The gallery has hosted two short term exhibitions during the year.
From April to July Te Hokinga mai: the journey home, a collection of 80 black and white photos by Karel Lorier that recorded the Hikoi that brought the remains of Bishop Pompallier from Paris and the pilgrimage to sites associated with Catholic missions throughout New Zealand.
From September into summer Through the lens of a camera: Russell in the 1950s and 60s, a selection of 180 photos by Ian Hanlon who recorded not only anglers with their gamefish on Russell wharf but also weddings, portraits and places when Russell was a smaller town with unsealed roads and seasonal tourism. The exhibition is supported by contemporary items and clippings.
Promotion
The museum has its own attractive page on the Tai Tokerau Maori and Cultural tourism website, and will soon be part of the National Maritime Trails site.
Regular press releases have been sent out this year and the trustees are grateful to Russell Realty for space to offer historic Russell photos and captions on their page in Russell Lights.
Recognition
The Kawakawa Community Board presented the museum with a certificate of appreciation In recognition of your services to protect the heritage of Russell. This award is normally given to individuals, the museum being the first community organization so honoured.
Latest Publication
This year the museum published a reprint of Puawananga -the Adobe Cottage by Charlotte Preston Larkin, the story of a remarkable middle-aged woman who struggled to build a clay brick cottage from the 1940s at Long Beach . Extra photos from Charlotte’s grand-daughter and line drawings by Joan Grehan make this a very attractive local history.
Regional Participation
Northland Museums meet together twice a year to share and learn from each other. In October representatives from 18 museums came to Russell and we received many compliments on the upgraded displays in the museum.
Triennial Election
The museum is managed by trustees elected three yearly on behalf of the Russell community. At a meeting in September the following were re-elected: John Gibb, Antony Hanlon, Lorraine Hill, Eldon Jackson, Claire Jones, Harold Williams and Jill Williams. The Library representative is Colleen Bottrell, Kaumatua Clive Arlidge, and an Eastern Community Board representative to be appointed. Lorraine Hill is the Chairperson and Claire Jones Vice Chairperson.
Staff: Dianne Davey (administrator), Heather Lindauer (curator), weekend staff Pat McNicoll and Dale Salmon.
Volunteers: Joan Nicholls, Dayle Howard, Dot Bowdler.
Looking Ahead
The museum is working towards a rehousing of its historic whaleboat and landscaping of its grounds. It is also involved in the Active Northland project to provide a higher image for heritage sites in Northland, including Russell.
About us
The museum’s aim is to preserve the history and heritage of Russell. It continues to collect photos, books, clippings and items that reflect our history. It is self supporting with Trustees and volunteers as well as paid staff. Regular visitors to the museum can apply to become a Friend of the Museum. We also offer a photocopying, faxing and laminating service.
Looking for Xmas Gifts?
The museum has an excellent gift shop specialising in Northland books and souvenirs.
Open every day except Christmas day.
Thank you for your support over the past year – have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.
