Waitaki Archive Freshens Up and Opens the Doors
Published on 05 December 2022
After 18 months of renovations, the Waitaki Archive now has its own dedicated space and is ready to re-open to the public.
The Archive is an amazing window into the history of the Waitaki community. The collection includes masses of photographs as well as records of local clubs, societies, businesses, individuals, schools, and old newspapers.
Waitaki Archives Director, Chloe Searle said “I am so happy to finally be able to give the archive the space it deserves and am really looking forward to people using the area.”
Work on the building has included earthquake strengthening, installing a lift to make the upper floor accessible and as part of this bigger picture it was an opportunity for the archive to gain a modernised reading and research area.
Chloe continued, “This new area enables us to look after Waitaki’s important records while also making them accessible in a safe and workable environment.”
Previously, the archive shared with the temporary exhibition space and now has a welcome desk, 5 research desks and more reference material on open shelves.
Archives Curator, Elly Dunckley is looking forward to welcoming back regular users and those who may not have been to the archive before, “I’m just really excited that we have such a great space that people can do their research. Be it a doctorate or someone finding out about their grandparent, all are welcome.”
The Waitaki Archive is a community resource, and the public are encouraged to contact the archive if they have something they are researching.
Elly Dunckley said, “If people have a question about a specific aspect of our districts past the archive can probably help. A lot of users are researching a particular topic such as family history, an historic home or building, a local place or celebrating a Club Centennial and it is always a thrill to share in the history.
With two open days in December, the public can bring along questions and curiosity. Team members will be on hand to show you what the Archive is all about.
Open Day Dates and Times:
Friday 9 December - 2pm-4pm (Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/2x8K09BzH)
Saturday 10 December is 10am-12pm (Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/36TcOvf8Q)
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