Exhibition commemorates Mt Albert’s WWI connection

Monday September 1, 2014

MEDIA RELEASE

Exhibition commemorates Mt Albert’s WWI connection

Alberton, the Heritage New Zealand property in Mt Albert, will host a World War I exhibition with a difference as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival.

A Remembrance of World War I – which runs from September 27 through to October 12 – will have a specific focus on the impact World War I had on the people of Mt Albert, and will be run in conjunction with the Mt Albert Historical Society.

“Alberton has always been something of a centre for the Mt Albert community and so we feel it’s very appropriate that this exhibition is hosted here,” says the Manager of Alberton, Rendell McIntosh.

“As well as being a fitting commemoration of the local response to World War I, we are also hopeful that visitors will be able to provide additional information on the 212 soldiers and nurses from Mt Albert who served in the war.”

The Mt Albert Historical Society has started compiling a master list of local residents who served in the global conflict – which began a hundred years ago this year – and volunteers are seeking additional information from the public to ensure that the archival material they have is correct for future generations’ research and appreciation.

“The exhibition is a perfect opportunity for people to share stories, update or correct information – and to view what promises to be a display that will be very much close to the heart of Mt Albert,” says Rendell.

The display will feature a number of World War I artefacts with a local connection, as well as images and stories relating to a number of Mt Albert soldiers – including the McLean, Caughey, Penman, Ashton and Astley families.

“We’ll also be including material from nurses, like the McLean sisters, who had a close association with Mt Albert. The display will also feature information on those who were conscientious objectors,” he says.

A Remembrance of World War I will run over the school holiday period Wednesday to Sunday from 27 September to 12 October (10.30-4pm); Admission - $8pp.
Accompanied children and Heritage New Zealand members are free.

For more information visit: alberton.co.nz

ENDS

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