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- By the Karaka Historical Society
Karaka Museum is a fun, informative and interactive place to enjoy a family day out.
You can find us next to the Karaka Hall and Karaka Sports Park. The museum showcases local history through exhibitions on war service, farming, family histories, weddings, schools and household items. There’s always something to capture the attention of all age groups, from pre-school to centenarians.
Each year, we hold an open day at the museum- everyone is welcome to attend. The focus this time is on the development of Karaka – through timelines, maps, photographs and activities. We also plan to have a working water pump and our cowshed up and running on the day.
Among our permanent displays, we have many interesting items, and one that has captured the attention of both old and young is a Gnat from the mid-1960s. A precursor to the modern farm quad bike, it was a New Zealand design and even considered by NASA for use in space exploration.
Another recent acquisition is a collection of early cell phone display models. Communication as a theme always sparks conversation as memories from the use of the early telephones to the present day are shared between generations.
We are always keen to assist with research relating to the area and its people. We recently worked with the Franklin Branch of the NZ Society of Genealogists on their project to publish a series of books to highlight the lives of the men and women who appear on the Roll of Honour Boards or memorials throughout Franklin.
The Karaka Historical Society was founded in 1997 to preserve the history of the area and was supported by the local community and The Whitehouse Tavern Trust to build the Museum which opened in 2011.
Our regular opening times are the second Sunday of the month from 1pm to 3pm and the fourth Wednesday from 10am to 12pm.
We also open by arrangement – researchers, family reunions, friendship groups, retirement villages, pre-school and school visits are all welcome. Our team will structure the visit to suit your requirements.
Entry to the Museum is by donation. There is a small set charge per person for organised group visits. The nearby Karaka General Store Café is great for groups planning “Museum and Lunch” trips.
Membership of The Karaka Historical Society is $25 per year – donations and membership contributions assist us with display costs and the upkeep of the Museum.
We have a future plan to extend the Museum into the back courtyard. This would allow us to display larger machinery items – maybe a vintage tractor or two. A building fund for this proposed extension has been established thanks to a generous donation.
- Karaka Museum Open Day, Saturday, October 11, 1pm to 4pm, Cnr Linwood Road and Blackbridge Roads, Karaka.
More info: www.karakamuseum.org.nz or email karakahistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
