The Albertland and Districts Museum started off as a private collection of the Brookes family. The museum’s collections and archives are unique in New Zealand, and indeed the world, as they relate to a specific migration from England to that locality in the early 1860s. They are also in possession of W H Marsh’s collection of some 6000 glass plate negatives (currently being scanned digitally) which gives a photographic record of life in the district from 1900 through to 1946.
Staff:
About 25 volunteers.
Annual operating budget:
About $25,000, sourced mainly through: publishing and selling historical books about the Albertland District; selling prints from their extensive photographic collection; admission fees; grants and bequests.
Key learnings from running a museum
Given the strength and uniqueness of their collections and archives, the museum forms an important part of the community and continually receives requests from researchers and others who are interested in the history of the district.
The museum has a band of dedicated volunteers who have given their time freely.
Completing the New Zealand Museums Standards Scheme was particularly useful in identifying weaknesses and providing some guidance on ways forward. This has led the organisation to complete a feasibility study, which is giving them a good platform to base future plans on.
Advice for those planning a new museum
‘Research the project well and take loads of advice from museum professionals,’ says Peter Marsh, Deputy Chair of Albertland and Districts Museum.