Invited guests toured the Nelson Provincial Museum's commodious and long-awaited Archives, Research and Collections facility last week, a project ahead of schedule, while still needing $830,000.
Taking shape on Coman Dr in Richmond since June after Tasman Bays Heritage Trust acquired the site in February, the $9.8 million purpose-built facility will safeguard more than 300,000 objects, 1.2 million photographs and 150,000 archives and documents which have woven the region’s identity.
For chief executive Lucinda Jimson it had been a decade-long build-up, with gargantuan fundraising efforts and planning for the new asset, following asbestos, leaking, and temperature-control issues at the 53-year-old current ARC facility at Isel Park.
"It's my first time inside, I got the privilege of coming out a few weeks ago, and I was just blown away… it's starting to feel really real… and it looks like we may be getting the keys a bit early," Lucinda says.
"This building is far more than steel, concrete, and timber, it's an investment in our region's stories, our heritage, our people, and our future.
"It will be a place where generations can connect with the history of Te Tau Ihu and discover the stories that make our place unique."
Lucinda says the original handover date was March next year, with the relocation of the 1.5 million treasured items from Isel Park expected to take six months.
"It will be like moving a house times 100… looking after everything during the move is absolutely paramount in this process," she says.
"The fact that we're ahead of schedule, I believe, is a huge achievement and a credit to everyone involved in the build."
While 91 per cent of the project has been funded, about $830,000 is still needed for specialist fit-out work, storage systems and shelving.
"Every conversation, every contribution, and every connection helps," Lucinda says.
"The final stage of this journey will be achieved in the same way that we've come this far by being together.
"You can buy a ticket to our historic homes tour, spread the word through your networks, become a volunteer, make a donation, introduce us to potential sponsors, or simply tell people why this project matters."
Visit www.nelsonmuseum.co.nz/what-is-on/historic-homes-tour to buy a ticket to this Sunday's Historic Homes Tour fundraiser for the ARC facility.
Visit www.nelsonmuseum.co.nz/about-arc to make a donation.
