The collection illustrates domestic, rural and town life in Raglan, mainly during the early twentieth century and the surfing culture that developed from the late 20th century.
World War One: Raglan Remembers
This exhibition about Raglan soldiers who participated in WW1 opened on 18th April 2014. It is now on display on the mezzanine floor.
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THEN – heritage photo collection
Explore the history of Raglan through THEN, an extensive collection of historic photos from the museum’s archive and other sources. THEN features pictures from the Gilmour brothers, whose photo postcards captured the early days of Raglan.
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James and Mary Wallis and Te Awa-i-taia
Missionaries James and Mary Wallis and Ngāti Maahanga chief Wiremu Neera Te Awa-i-taia can be considered the founders of the settlement of Raglan. Learn about the work of these early pioneers and their role in establishing Raglan. The museum is proud to hold the taiaha of Te Awa-i-taia, Ngāti Maahanga chief and Treaty of Waitangi signatory.
TB Hill apothecary collection
TB Hill operated a chemist shop in Cliff Street and for many years was chemist, doctor and dentist to the settlers of the district. His apothecary holds a collection of old medical and pharmacy items, one of the most complete apothecary collections of this type in New Zealand.
Old technology
Modern communication technology came to Raglan in the early 20th century when the town received its first manual telephone exchange. Discover the old wooden telephone exchange switchboard that was used until the 1970s, and our collection of old telephones.
Native birds
The Raglan Whaingaroa area is rich with native birdlife. Learn about the birds that inhabit our local environment.
Kerosene
Before electricity came to Raglan in the 1930s, locals used kerosene or ‘kero’ lamps as their main source of lighting. Our collection of vintage kerosene pumps and cans offers an illuminating glimpse into life before the light switch.
Town and Around
Take a look back at everyday life in early Raglan. Town and Around focuses on the objects that made up domestic and commercial life in the early 20th century.
Military
We commemorate the servicemen and -women of the Raglan district who served in the military and the contribution Raglan made, from the Boer War to the Second World War.
Research and Reading
Delve deeper into Raglan history with our Research and Reading area. Experience images, video clips and oral history recordings of Raglan. There’s also a complete database of the museum’s collection. It’s fully searchable, including photos of many objects.
Surfing
The surfing exhibition opened in 2013. The surfing exhibition is a reflection of the great importance that surfing has to Raglan, both culturally and economically. The exhibition has been made possible by a $20,000 donation from the Gallagher Group.
Tangata Whenua
The museum is home to a collection of objects from Ngāti Maahanga, the tangata whenua of the museum’s site, including the taiaha of Te Awa-i-taia .
Eva Rickard – The Raglan Golf Course Dispute
Covers the dispute with photos of the dispute, maps, and objects linked to the dispute.
Te Horea Bird Family Collection
In 2012 the Bird Family Collection of Ngāti Taahinga artefacts from the northern side of Raglan harbour at Te Horea was gifted to the museum on long-term loan. The collection was gathered over years by the Bird family. The exhibition opened in October 2015.
In progress
Back to School
Due to open in late 2016 this exhibition covers 150 years of schooling in Raglan Whaingaroa.