New Exhibition of Treasured Local Memorabilia

Something Special for Everyone at Petone Settlers Museum New Exhibition of Treasured Local Memorabilia

Something Special, the latest exhibition at the Petone Settlers Museum, opens 7 November with a treasure trove of memories and keepsakes.

Curator Leanne Wickham has dipped into the museum’s collection of over 3,000 local objects to create an exhibition of special objects from the past. Alongside love letters, diaries, trophies and medals, a feature of the exhibition is the 1934 All Black jersey worn by Arthur Lambourn. A World War I nurse’s apron is among the many cherished garments and uniforms in this eclectic show, which is rich in sentimental stories. The exhibition will appeal to all ages, invoking nostalgic family stories for some while offering a rare glimpse of the past for others.

Something Special is divided into seven categories: Transported 600 Miles includes cooking pots, shawls, pocket watches and top hats and reflects the hardships endured by the early immigrants enroute to Pito-one (Petone) on ships like the Aurora, the Oriental, the Duke of Roxburgh and the Bengal Merchant. The passengers arrived at Pito-one between the 22nd of January and the 28th of February, 1840 after six long months at sea. Worn and Adorned includes garments like uniforms, infused with stories of special occasions and events. Made By Hand features macramé, lace work, knitting and sewing, works that are rich in cultural tradition. They reflect the hours of labour, patience and skill required of their makers.

Autograph books, postcards and war letters of sympathy make up Written and Recorded and eight photographs by Charles Adshead, an amateur photographer based in Petone, are just some of the images in Captured On Film. Local heroes’ trophies, medals and awards feature in Awarded With Honour alongside a silver tea pot gifted to the Mayor of Petone; and a china plate brought to New Zealand by Elizabeth Parkes on the the first settler ship, the Aurora are among the treasures in Loved and Played With.

Something Special is supported by a series of films and a display of photographs, often the most prized possession of a family. There is also a collection of well loved toys including a very special teddy bear.

Something Special
7 November 2009 – 18 April 2010 / Petone Settlers Museum / FREE ENTRY
Open: 12noon - 4pm Tues to Fri, 1pm - 5pm weekends and public holidays
The Esplanade, Petone /ph 04 568 8373, settlers@huttcity.govt.nz www.petonesettlers.org.nz

ENDS

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