Memories Come Flooding Back

The flood of 1984 will long be remembered in Otautau. Thanks to the great work of interviewer, Nancy Burnett, the folks at the Southland Oral History Project and the Invercargill Library, the Museum has added oral histories of the flood to its collection.

A few months ago, at the 25th anniversary of the 1984 flood, several residents were asked about their 'flood' memories by Nancy Burnett at the Flood Road Show at the SDC Otautau office. She followed up and recorded nine more in-depth interviews which cover what people did during and in the aftermath of the deluge. It's a tale of people helping people and doing the best they could.

We now have copies of these interviews on CD, available for public listening in the museum.

We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!

Fur-ilicious

A few Sundays ago, someone left two beautiful stoles at the Museum's doorstep. There was no note - no contact details. We'd like some information about these furs before we can accept them into our collection. If you have information, please contact us via email or phone or in person.

We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!

Otautau Standards Online

The Otautau Standard, our historical newspaper, is now online at Papers Past, the National Library's database of New Zealand newspapers. The issues covered are from 1905 to 1932.

This is a great research tool, and thanks need to go to the hard work of National Library staff for making our newspaper more easily accessible.

Later issues of the newspaper (1933-1946) can still be accessed directly via microfilm at the Otautau office of the Southland District Council.

We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!

Don't Throw Grandma's Sampler Away!

There is a project called the New Zealand Sampler, and its aims are to create a database of samplers in New Zealand and to tell their unique stories.

What's a sampler?? Well, it's embroidery that highlights one's skill with the needle. Many of the old samplers were of the alphabet or featured intricate edging patterns, but some also depict homes or special events. They can carry historical significance along with sentimental value.

If you've got a sampler, either made in New Zealand or brought here, and would like to share your story, get in touch with Vivien Caughley of NZ Sampler. Her research may well result in a book.

Find out more on the New Zealand Sampler website

And see what samplers are all about from Te Papa's Collection of Samplers as well as searching on the NZ Museum website

We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!

Our AGM

Last week, the Museum held its annual general meeting.

It's been a busy year with displays ranging from military memorabilia, handmade crafts from our mothers, the Aparima District and its families, Holt Park and the many events held there, the Otautau Floods, Sea Shells, and the Junk Drawer Art from Otautau School students.

Some of our other activities included holding presentations for the Otautau Senior Citizens group, Rowena Jackson residents, and the Winton Men's Probus Club.

Administratively, we have created a Strategic Plan, a Collection Development Plan, and a Collection Policy. For our volunteers, we have created a Volunteer Policy, and job descriptions for Office holders, Collection Manager and Display Manager.

We also have a new thing called Friends of the Museum. It's an annual subscription to help us keep going. Several people have joined and we extend our heartfelt gratitude.

We sadly had to say goodbye to outgoing trustees, Mrs. Colleen Greenhalgh and Mr Ian McKenzie. We thank them for their many efforts in forwarding the work of the Museum.

In the coming year, we hope to bring new volunteers on board to do some of the little jobs that need doing - scrapbooking, podcasting, collecting newspaper clippings etc. We know giving of your time is a BIG thing to ask. Everyone seems so busy with something. There is no obligation to join the Board in order to do any of these jobs. Check the volunteer jobs list on the right of this page. If anything sounds appealing, come in and let's talk.

We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!