Nelson Historical Society Contributes $10,000 to Nelson Provincial Museum’s ARC Facility
The Nelson Provincial Museum is thrilled to announce a donation of $10,000 from the Nelson Historical Society towards the construction of the Museum’s new Archives, Research and Collections (ARC) facility. This generous contribution was officially presented by Society President Mary Gavin to Emma Thompson – Deputy Chair of the Museum’s Board of Trustees – during the Society’s 70th birthday celebrations at the Museum on Monday night.
“The Nelson Historical Society was formed 70 years ago in direct response to the risk that irreplaceable Nelson archival material was leaving the region because of the lack of a safe and suitable local repository. Since then we have constantly advocated for archiving the region’s taonga in professionally curated repositories in purpose-built facilities with optimal research access,” says Mary Gavin, President of the Nelson Historical Society.
“The Society considers that the principles underpinning the Nelson Provincial Museum’s ARC project align perfectly with our values. Our financial support is also a practical endorsement of the Memorandum of Understanding shared between our two organisations.”
The Museum’s new ARC facility will be constructed just behind the exhibition museum on Church Street, on land that is currently used as a car park. The facility will conserve and protect the Nelson Tasman Regional Heritage Collection and make it accessible for the community now, and for future generations.
The Museum’s irreplaceable collection, which cares for over 200,000 taonga and treasured objects, plus the UNESCO inscribed photographic collection, is currently housed in a flood-prone, leaking and earthquake-vulnerable building – far from the exhibition museum. The aging building, which was built with asbestos and has poor ventilation, has also recently suffered damage with staff racing against the clock to rescue and protect vulnerable treasures.
The Society’s support ensures that the museum can fulfil its mission to care for, strengthen, and make widely accessible, the taonga and heritage collections of Nelson Tasman; and create unforgettable experiences that stimulate awareness, celebrate diversity and entertain.
The total construction cost is $14.9 million, and $8.5 million of funding has been secured.
For more information about the ARC Project please visit www.nelsonmuseum.co.nz/arc.
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