Museum unveils unseen collection items

Staff at Taupo Museum are delving deep into their collection to create a new exhibition showcasing artefacts, photographs and artwork rarely seen by the community.

The items will be brought together to create an eclectic collection of items that have been gifted or entrusted to the museum over the years.

Library and museum manager Luisa Haines said the exhibition, Out of the Archives, was an opportunity for the community to see some of the things not permanently on display at the museum.

"We have had many interesting and fascinating items given to us that we don't always have room to display," she said. "We are thrilled we're able to put together an exhibition that shows off some of these. It will be a real insight into what we have in our museum collection."

The exhibition will include taxidermy, original artworks, photographs and other curiosities.

"Just viewing the paintings alone will invoke memories for locals as these are Taupo-related and include scenic images and portraits that date back as far back as early 1800s," Ms Haines said.

The museum is also holding free workshops with Taupo District Council's archivist and a representative from the National Preservation Office Te Tari Tohu Taonga about preserving and archiving treasures, including paperwork and photographs.

"We'll also have information on caring for your treasures and details on local experts on antiques and digital preservation services," Ms Haines said. Conservation kits will also be for sale to help people care for their paper archives, photos and fragile treasures.

The exhibition runs from September 24 to October 30. Taupo Museum is open seven days from 10am to 4.30pm. Entry is free for children and Taupo District residents with proof of address.