Waimate Historical Museum and Archives

Waimate Archives Materials/Fees Click to download a pdf file detailing our collection materials and research fees.

                    Sat 10.00am-4.00pm / Sun 11.00am-4.00pm               

               Mon 11.00am-4.00pm / Tues 11.00am - 4.00pm

This is the Society's annual fundraising event involving the sale of books, comics and magazines.

Waimate Historical Museum

Situated in the former Waimate Courthouse (1879 - 1979) this beautiful building sits in a fine garden setting and is now home to an extensive range of exhibits of interest to both young and old.

Waimate was born in 1854, when young pioneers Michael Studholme & Saul Shrives first arrived with their families and a bullock team to settle in the area.  In 1954 with the town celebrating its 100th year, the Waimate Historical Society was formed to preserve the history of the Waimate District.

The museum is home to many buildings several of which have been shifted on site. These include the old Douglas school, Bremners Cottage, and together with the old jail and police cells house a diversity of displays depicting life and times of old Waimate.  Other displays include horse drawn vehicles, maintenance sheds, hospital medical displays.

In 1999 the purpose built, climate controlled facility was opened.  It houses local government documents dating from 1864 (including rate books, maps and correspondence), various business and society records, school and church indexes and other valuable documentary material pertaining to the Waimate district.

Our Archive facility is situated in the Dempsey Complex and can be accessed from Innes Street or through the museum grounds.  Research can be carried out by yourself in our reading room or by one of our staff members.