- To act as an archive for the preservation and storage of local history.
- To encourage and promote interest in the history of the Karamea district.
- To be an advocate for a greater awareness of historical value
- To collect, record and preserve documents and artefacts relative to the history of the Karamea district and to share this information, housed in the Karamea Centennial Museum, with the community, the visiting public and other museums nation-wide.
- To offer assistance to other historical societies, collect door fees, maintain Karamea Centennial Museum building.
The Historical Society was formed by a group of locals in the 1960’s. The Karamea Centennial Museum was built to commemorate 100 years of district and school history (1874). Officially opened in January, 1975, with district celebrations. In the early days the museum was run by volunteers. By the 1990’s the original members were gone and there was a need to pay a door attendant. The museum was refurbished in time for the 125 year celebration at Easter, 2000. In the last 20 years a considerable build-up of the district and school archival collection and photographic record has taken place.
We are soon to upgrade the photographic collection and archives with funding from the Buller District Council 2010 Community Funding. Ideal door person has local knowledge and time commitment. We liaise with Te Papa, REAP Buller, Westport Geneology Group, Karamea Area School, Westport Older and Bolder Group, Karamea Information Centre, Over 60’s Bus Tour Groups, Wesport Historical Society, DOC, Buller District Council, other museums and visiting school groups.