Help reconnect taonga with their communities and history
We’re searching for ‘volunpeers’ to transcribe and digitise the business records of W O Oldman, a British collector and dealer in ethnographic art. Read more
2018-12-22
All I want for Christmas is Burne-Jones
In his traditional Christmas blog, Dr Mark Stocker, Curator Historical International Art, looks at the fabulous artist Edward Burne-Jones and how some fascinating items in Te Papa’s collection relate to him and his inspiration.Read more
2018-12-21
“Good-bye, moon”: completing the Leslie Adkin diary project
At the end of the month, a comprehensive digitisation project bringing Leslie Adkin’s diaries to life 100 years later will come to an end. Fiona Moorhead, Collections Information System Manager, wraps up the journey.Read more
2018-12-21
The Christmas tree in New Zealand
If you’ve visited us recently you’ll have noticed the beautiful ‘Kiwi’ Christmas tree at the entrance to the museum, decorated with jandals, kererū, and pōhutukawa. Here, history curator Katie Cooper explores the history of the Christmas tree in New Zealand.Read more
2018-12-20
The power of stitching names during the AIDS crisis
World AIDS Day is commemorated on 1 December. This year, history curator Stephanie Gibson pays tribute to the first unveiling of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt 30 years ago on 1 December 1988 when HIV/AIDS was devastating communities throughout the world.Read more
2018-11-28
The land of the long black and flat white: Coffee culture in Aotearoa
With the recent passing of Wellington café legend Suzy van der Kwast, history curator Stephanie Gibson delves into the history of café culture and coffee in Aotearoa New Zealand.Read more
2018-11-14
Rātana Church and Mita Ririnui: The colours of service
Today (8 November) is the centenary of the Rātana Church. Puawai Cairns, Kaihāpai Mātauranga Māori | Head of Mātauranga Māori, talks about the robes of an āpotoro rēhita from the church – a uniform with which she have a personal affinity.Read more
2018-11-08
Peaceful armistice, deadly flu
One hundred years ago an armistice (truce) between Germany and the Allies was signed in France on 11 November 1918. Around the same time, a devastating influenza pandemic spread worldwide. History curator Stephanie Gibson looks at two women with ties to both events.Read more
2018-11-07
Changing the narrative: Exploring Gallipoli through empathy
‘The range of emotions that students come up with is confronting and powerful.’ Learning Innovation Specialist Donald James describes how the Learning Team at Te Papa have helped children empathise with war.Read more
2018-11-01
Artists against the Springbok rugby tour
History curator Stephanie Gibson talks to Chris McBride, designer and member of Wellington Media Collective, about artists and designers making protest objects.Read more
2018-11-01
‘Museums are dangerous places’ – challenging history
How do museums learn to tell the truth about what they hold in order to become “decolonised archives”?Read more
2018-10-19
Female fossil hunters: Mary Ann Mantell, Mary Anning, and Joan Wiffen
Despite the public image of fossil hunters as macho men with pickaxes, many women have made important contributions with their fossil discoveries. Scientist Lara Shepherd looks back at some pioneering female fossil hunters.Read more
2018-10-12
Restoring a Tongan ngatu hingoa (barkcloth) commemorating WWII
Conservator Textiles Anne Peranteau recently completed the conservation treatment of an important Tongan ngatu hingoa, or barkcloth, that commemorates the WWII war effort of Queen Salote Tupou III and the Tongan people. Read more
2018-10-02
A darn good Toowoomba yarn: Lionel Lindsay, Bill Bolton, and Cobb and Co
Last week, Curator Historical International Art Dr Mark Stocker, introduced us to Australian artist Lionel Lindsay and the famous Cobb and Co print. Here, Mark continues his story.Read more
2018-10-01
Tally ho! ‘Cobb and Co’, an iconic Australian Lionel Lindsay print
Curator Historical International Art Dr Mark Stocker introduces us to Australian artist Lionel Lindsay, and a famous print that oozes 19th-century nostalgia: ‘Cobb and Co’.Read more
2018-09-19