Social History
Our collection has over 25,000 social history objects, many of which relate to Hamilton's local history.
Main elements in the collection are of Waikato/Tainui regional history and development, such as the arrival of missionaries and agriculture.
There is a collection of 13,000 historical photographs (accessible through the index at Hamilton City Library), along with artefacts related to Beale Cottage and MV Rangiriri historical vessel.
Social History highlights
Never a Dull Moment! Hamilton Stories is a local history exhibition that provides the visitor with an entertaining look at our city's past, and how we moved to become a city.
Hamilton City Council has won the Creative New Zealand Creative Places: Cultural Festivals and Arts Events Award 2006 on the strength of the exhibition Rare View: A glimpse into Hamilton's Somali Community