Where there are riches there are people; and where there are people, stories flow.
The North Otago Museum in Thames Street Oamaru has a history dating back to 1863 with the establishment of a committee to collect ‘district material’ for the Great Colonial Exhibition of 1865. The Museum is situated in the historic 1882 Athenæum building and has a collection that reflects the natural and social history of the Waitaki District.
The Willetts’ Collection of Waitaha taoka, confirms the area as a significant kaika for moa hunter settlement and the crafting of waka. Along with early examples of Mâori rock art and the areas unique geology it forms the heart of the Museum’s displays.
The Museum’s archive is recognised nationally by researchers and genealogist as an important record repository. Our knowledgeable staff welcome researchers including family historians, school students and lovers of local history.