DISPLAYS
Vintage Machinery
One of our most popular displays, our vintage machinery collection will have something to intrigue everyone.
Amy Bock
Amy Bock was an Australian fraudster who arrived in New Zealand in 1884 before making her way down through the islands with a criminal career that saw her sentenced to jail time in various towns. Eventually making her way, dressed as a man, to Port Molyneux where "he" married the landlady's daughter who was blissfully unaware of the true sexuality of the person she had married.
Was she New Zealand's own Gentleman Jack?Find out how the story ends when you come and visit.
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Benhar
Located approximately 5kms northeast of Balclutha; Benhar was an industrial village for 126 years and an essential part of the economy of South Otago.
Though it is better known as the home of the McSkimming Pottery Works, it initially was the base for the Benhar Coal Company, set up in 1864 by John Nelson. The company sold lignite coal to local industries requiring steam power.
After 12 years of coal production, Nelson decided to exploit the abundance of quality clay in the district and opened a pipe factory in 1876.
By the early 1890s, the factory had diversified into bricks, tiles and even garden vases. Among the workers at Nelson's factory were brickmakers Peter McSkimming and his son who went on to form McSkimming Pottery.
After 12 years of coal production, Nelson decided to exploit the abundance of quality clay in the district and opened a pipe factory in 1876.
By the early 1890s, the factory had diversified into bricks, tiles and even garden vases. Among the workers at Nelson's factory were brickmakers Peter McSkimming and his son who went on to form McSkimming Pottery.
McSkimmings Pottery
Peter McSkimming and his family immigrated to New Zealand from Glasgow in 1878. After spending four years gold-panning in Central Otago the McSkimmings settled in Stirling where Peter and his eldest son, also called Peter, went to work for John Nelson who ran a pottery and brick factory at nearby Benhar. After working as pipe makers for about ten years the McSkimmings leased and later purchased the business from Nelson in the early 1890s.
The Hoffman kiln was completed around 1894 and was probably one of the first projects undertaken at Benhar after the factory had changed hands. McSkimmings were the first manufacturer in New Zealand to make toilets as one piece and one of the largest ceramic manufacturers of the time.
The Hoffman Kiln and 30 metre high chimney at Benhar is said to be the most complete example of its type remaining in the world.
Never a Week Goes By
As part of the WW100 commemorations; Never A Week Goes By was an exhibition that compared the impact of the Great War on two Pacific colonies, New Zealand and New Caledonia.
The lives of five Balclutha men and their families are reflected in text and images examining the themes of Hope, Valour and Grief that are depicted on the monument erected by the South Otago community of Balclutha in 1923. Designed and researched by the museum it took a 6000km journey around New Zealand and New Caledonia before returning home in 2017.
The lives of five Balclutha men and their families are reflected in text and images examining the themes of Hope, Valour and Grief that are depicted on the monument erected by the South Otago community of Balclutha in 1923. Designed and researched by the museum it took a 6000km journey around New Zealand and New Caledonia before returning home in 2017.
Come Visit
The best way to see all our displays is to visit.
Come and see our collection of local artwork, bottles, moa bones, photos, relics of the past and other local antiquities.