Waiheke Island Historical Society Newsmail
January 2010

Greetings to all lovers of Waiheke history!

We'd like to let you know of some upcoming events and opportunities for you to get involved with your society.

Waiheke Historical Films, Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th January
If you missed the showing last September of historical films of Waiheke, they are back by popular demand.  Come to the Waiheke Community Cinema in the Artworks complex this Tuesday at 8 PM, or Wednesday at 2 PM.  Entry is by koha.  The September showing was completely booked, so it might be wise to ring them at 372-4240 to reserve a seat.

Live Heritage Day, Saturday 16th January
At this year's Wharf to Wharf Fun Run, the Waiheke Museum will operate a water stop for the runners from 9:00 AM to 12 midday.  After that we shall hold a Live Heritage Day from midday to 4:00 PM.  There will be many things to see and do:

• Keane Cottage, freshly painted

• Classic engines on display

• A qualified blacksmith at work

• Old-time weaving and sewing demonstrations

• A butter churn

• Sausage sizzle

• Tea, coffee, scones, cakes

• ... and lots more

Come see all that's new at the Museum.  Gates open at noon; entry by koha.

What's new on the website?
If you haven't visited the Historical Society's website at http://www.waihekemuseum.org.nz lately, have a look at some of the new items in the 'History Buffs' section:

• A missionary on Waiheke Island in 1849

• 1881 Waiheke electoral roll

• 1893 women's electoral roll (the first elections where women could vote)

• The Waiheke Fun Map of 1948

Suggestions and contributions to the website are always welcome.

2010 subscriptions are now payable
You have probably received a letter from our treasurer, Jan Vale, asking you to renew your membership in the Historical Society for 2010.  Subs are only $15 for the year.  We value your continued support; please send in your subs soon.

Volunteers sought
As with all volunteer organisations, the Historical Society is always looking to get its members involved.  Would you like to join a great bunch of people in preserving and presenting Waiheke's unique history?  Here are some ways you can do that:

• Be a Museum host.  The Museum is open from noon to 4PM on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on public holiday Mondays, and we always need volunteers for Museum duty.  We'd be happy to show you the ropes once or twice, then you're ready to go!

• Help man the gates for our Live Heritage Day.  We expect good crowds for the Fun Run, and some of them might even be interested in history.  We'll need several volunteers.  Can you help out?

• Join the Committee.  The Historical Society normally has a Committee of eight or so active volunteers, who run the Society and Museum on a day-to-day basis.  Would you like to become more involved?

• Help with the Taonga Heritage Garden.  Whether you've got a green thumb or a pink, brown or orange one, come to one of our mucking-in sessions.

If any of these ideas strikes your fancy, get in touch:
Ring the Museum on 09 372 2970 during opening hours, or Judith on 09 372 7760.
Come to the Museum during opening hours.
Speak to any member of the Committee.
E-mail us at info@waihekemuseum.org.nz.
Write to us at P O Box 206, Ostend, Waiheke Island 1843.

Hope to see you soon!