It’s been an exciting month at the Museum

It’s been an exciting time for the museum.  October was the 125^th birthday of our heritage-designated building and we pulled out all the stops to celebrate.  A big thank you to everyone who supported us.

For 80 years, before it became the museum, the building was the town library. Recognising that history we worked with Charlotte Harding and Bec Reilly (Ventana) to hold Story Month events.  That included children’s sessions in the museum.  We want them to feel it is “their” museum too.

With that in mind we now have old equipment kids can play with:  party line phones, typewriters, an adding machine, a windup gramophone and Plunket scales.  There’s also a Treasure Hunt to add a challenge. (thank you Bec for the idea).  If you are after immortality we have a Time Capsule too where you can put in an entry (Karen Cronshaw’s clever idea).  It won’t be opened again until 2044.

We’ve also put together the story of the building’s history in an exhibition that will be in place until the New Year.  This also covers the life of Charles Natusch who designed the building and went on to become one of the important architects of the period. (Thank you Mate Higginson and Ruth Graham for the research).

What has proved to be the star of the celebrations was the documentary made in 1982 at the time of the town Centennial.    We thought we’d get enough people to for one showing at Circus Cinema.  Instead we are on our 6^th session, including one at Wharekaka for residents, and one at the Lions Den for over 75s.   People are clearly getting a lot of pleasure from this peek into the past.   (Thank you Emily Loughnan and Rex McIntoch of Clicksuite, Nga Toango Sound and Film Archive, Tim at Circus and organisers Pip Arapoff, Heather Gibbs and Jo Guscott.  Also James and Di Martin for the loan of the beautiful costumes).

The museum itself has also had a makeover (courtesy of Angela Busby) to keep it fresh and interesting and we have lots of plans for the future, including creating a purpose designed exhibition space, developing a heritage garden on the south side and most importantly telling as many Martinborough stories as possible.

The museum is managed by a Trust and in the New Year there will be some changes to the lineup.   Derek Wilson is retiring and his role as chair will be filled by Chris Cassels, Tim Maling will come on board as the new Trustee.  Other Trustees are Jo Guscott, Max Stevens and Peter Jenkins.

Chris Cassels

The Museum will be open every day from Boxing Day until after Anniversary Weekend.   Opening hours 11.30-3.30. Come along and check it out for yourself.

If you are interesting in becoming involved contact Chris Cassels 306 8286.