what's on

Permanent displays

We have many permanent exhibits to
see, these are just a few:

We also have an impressive Mergenthaler Linotype 14 hot metal machine which has a very interesting international story.

The Museum has over 350 pieces of its souvenir china collection on display; its a fine collection and well worth seeing.

Changing displays

We refresh our displays on a regular basis creating centre-pieces about people, stories or artefacts:

Still to come this year:

- Governance
- Then and now

NEW DISPLAYS INCLUDE:

THE HOLMES' PHOTOGRAPHS 

Te Aroha resident, Alfred Holmes was a talented amateur photographer.  We are lucky to have a large number of his glass plates.  This unique collection of images documents local life in the mid-1900's.

EARLY SCHOOL DAYS

Items familiar and items new (depending on your age).  A fascinating glimpse into school days, before computers, around the early 1900's.  There are some surprising artefacts. 

FROM CHINA TO TE AROHA

The story of Wong Foo and his descendants has been carefully and sensitively researched.  The display provides a rich insight into the struggles early settlers faced with equity and racial prejudice. 

THE COASTWATCHERS

"Coastwatchers" maintained a lonely vigil over sixteen million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean.  This is the tragic story of local men Claude Kilpin and Robert Hitchon who remained at their posts despite grave danger and paid the ultimate price.

Our Museum hosts are local, very knowledgeable and can answer questions on our displays and general history.   All our displays
are researched and created by our volunteers.

We stage special exhibitions and have both permanent and revolving displays, all of which are updated frequently so that the Museum continues to provide a relevant and informative place for interaction for regular and new visitors alike.