Winter Exhibition - Opening 21st August to 30th October 2011 "Grass Roots Rugby - a photo history of early Northern Wairoa Rugby"
Opening in 1985 the Dargaville Museum has continued to grow over the years to become a fascinating must see attraction. Located in Harding Park with magnificent views overlooking the district and the Northern Wairoa River it is well worth a visit.
As shipping was the main mode of transport in the area until the 1940s, the Museum tells the maritime history of the river and also has absorbing displays of shipwrecks and relics recovered from our wild West Coast. Exhibits range from the unique 16 metre long pre European hand adzed Maori canoe uncovered from the sands at Pouto to the masts of the bombed Greenpeace ship ‘Rainbow Warrior’
Part of our maritime section feature relics salvaged from the French corvette L’Alcmene which was wrecked off Ripiro Beach in June 1851. Twelve members of the crew drowned when the ship got into difficulties in heavy seas as commander Captain le Complte Harchourt beached the vessel. The 192 survivors were rescued by local Maori and transferred to Auckland to await a ship home to France. Items on display include the anchor, cannons, bottles of wine and buckles.
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Our Pioneer history is also told along with a fascinating insight into the life of the Dalmatian Gum diggers who arrived in the area early last century to dig “Northland gold” - the Kauri gum. Main attraction in our Gum diggers Hall is the large engine built by Blackstone & Co Ltd in 1914 for Andrews & Beaven Christchurch. This was used to drive the kauri gum washing plant at Red Hill near Dargaville. This fully restored machine is most impressive when fired up.
The extensive displays in the Collections Hall, ranging from birds eggs to boomerangs, transport models to dolls in national costume show there is something for everyone. Centre stage is the working model railway and miniature village crafted by local identity the late Mr. Eke.
Also on site is the fully restored Aratapu Library built in 1874. The Museum rescued and restored the building in 2006 and it now features the musical history of the district with the extensive Kevin Friedrich collection of over 200 piano accordions.
Other facilities
Having a Do –The Lighthouse Function Centre administered by the Museum is available for hire and with its fabulous views and extended deck is a stunning setting for any event. Seating for 150, fully equipped kitchen and bar facilities.
Family research - the Northern Wairoa Genealogical Society is located within the Museum and offers help in family research.
Looking for a special gift - the Museum shop has a good selection of local crafts.
“The Galley” provides coffee, tea, cold drinks, muffins, scones and snacks.
While in Harding Park enjoy a game of disc golf, take a bush walk, use the picnic tables or visit the Kaipara Vintage Machinery Club and historic Po Tu Te Rangi Pa site.
Upcoming events for 2011
“Squares & Compasses” Freemasonry in New Zealand Exhibition - opening Saturday 15th January
Dalmatian Day - a celebration of the Dalmatian Pioneer – opening of the ‘Gumdiggers village” with Kola dancers, lamb on spit etc. Sunday 20th March
“Kevin Friedrich and Friends” world renowned accordionist will once again entertain us in the Lighthouse Function Centre Sunday March 27th
Contact
The Museum is open every day except Christmas Day during the hours of
Summer 9am to 5pm
Winter 9am to 4pm
Phone 09 439 7555
Email – darg.museum@xtra.co.nz
Web site www.dargavillemuseum.co.nz
ダーガビル・ミュージアム
Dargaville Museum Harding Park, Dargaville
ダーガビル・ミュージアム (Dargaville Museum)
ダーガビルの町とワイロア川の美しい風景を見渡すハーディング公園内に位置する博物館。川や航海の歴史を紹介、西海岸で難破した船の展示もあります。
植民地時代以前の16メートルのマオリのカヌー、沈没したグリーンピースの船「レインボー・ウォーリアー」号のマストなど、様々な展示を見ることができます。オーストリアのダルマチア地方から樹脂を求めてやってきた開拓者の当時の生活も紹介しています。コレクション・ホールには、鳥の卵からブーメランまで、いろいろなアイテムが展示されています。
改修されたアラタプ図書館ではケビン・フリードリッヒの100を越えるピアノアコーディオンのコレクションを見ることができます。