Raglan Museum Three Years On

by Sue Russell, republished from Raglan Chronicle with permission 

Since opening its doors on 12 November 2011 there has been a constant stream of activity and development taking place in our modern purpose-built museum in Wainui Road.
Overseeing that journey is a dedicated team of locals who carry huge enthusiasm and high aspirations to see the museum evolve to its potential in time.
Visitor numbers from day one to the end of 2014 are 10,526 with an average monthly attendance of 277. Of that number 2360 were children.

“Since we first opened we have staged significant exhibitions, both temporary and permanent. Last year a key focus was on WW2 and Raglan’s Contribution to the war effort. Now we’re turning our attention to WW1,” explains the museum committee President Rodger Gallagher.

Another much anticipated permanent exhibition ‘Te Horea’ will show-case a significant number of items from the historic Bird Family collection with work well underway sorting through the vast array of very precious exhibits it contains.

The museum itself is proving an adaptable space as displays are moved from time to time making room for new exhibitions. “We have spent money to improve security, lighting and environmental management systems over and above the basic level the Council provided at hand-over.” Rodger says.

A beautiful display of pioneer children’s clothing, including christening gowns is planned to be rehoused when time and funds permit to do justice to the garments, something Rodger is keen to see happen as soon as possible.

“We have a constant demand on our funds and the bulk of our time and energy right now is going into the WW1 exhibition which will open on 18 April this year.”
Improvements are also planned for the surfing and surf lifesaving permanent exhibition which has attracted a lot of interest from locals and visitors alike.

Rodger is proud of the fact that as soon as the museum building was available from Council it immediately got up and running, opening to the public every day except Christmas Day. With the busy I-site in the same building there’s a natural flow in of visitors into the museum. He says it has been especially good to see so many schools and other organised groups visit.

While the museum committee meets once a month there is a constant level of museum-related activity taking place by its members, including an accessions and de-accessions group whose job it is to decide which objects will become exhibits and which will be returned to their original owners over time.
Raising funds to develop the museum further is an on-going priority and Rodger says any amount small or large is welcome. “We receive $20,000 annually from Council and the rest we have to find so donations are always welcome. We were delighted not long ago to receive an unexpected bequest of about $4,000 which was a real boost for us.”

Anyone interested in getting involved in the life of the museum is encouraged to contact Rodger or Vice-President Cynthia Tucker.