Russell Museum History

After years of discussions and planning, the museum was ready to expand. A new gallery, offices, and storage areas were added, funded by Museum savings and a grant from ASB Community Trust. At this time, the museum was renamed Russell Museum / Te Whare Taonga o Kororāreka, honoring its bicultural heritage. The gallery was named the Marie King Gallery, after the founding curator from 1956-1986, Marie Menary King QSM. Since 2002, the Russell Museum has undergone various alterations. With the help of museum design consultant Richard Wolfe, the interior was revamped with a fresh color scheme, new carpet, improved lighting, updated display cases, and informative text panels to better tell the town’s story. The gallery now accommodates changing displays, a historic Russell video, and historic images available on a computer. A welcoming entrance and new signage have also boosted the museum’s profile. Funding for these improvements came from ASB Community Trust, NZ Lottery Board, Sky City Community Trust, Russell RSA, Lion Foundation, FNDC Amenity Funds, and the museum’s own savings. The museum’s beginnings trace back to plans for the New Zealand Centennial year in 1940. The vision was to create a building for a Town Council office, library, restroom, and museum. Land was donated by Charles Frederick and Mary Ann Baker, and the building was completed in 1954. By 1956, a small museum room, approximately 10 by 5 meters, was ready for visitors. Initially called the Russell Centennial Museum (1956-1970), it featured treasures donated or loaned by local families like the Bakers, Kings, and Lanes. Volunteers managed the museum on demand, gradually expanding its operations. By 1963, it was open daily, generating savings from a modest entry fee of sixpence. That same year, Queen Elizabeth included the museum in her walkabout of Russell.