Have you ever wondered what tales and mysteries are hidden within your family tree? Anyone with the curiosity to discover the narrative of their whānau may be able to do just that with the support of Te Whare Taonga o Taketake - Whakatāne Museum Collections & Research.
August marks Family History Month, and the team at Taketake are encouraging locals to celebrate their ancestry by taking a peek into their family history and whakapapa (genealogy).
Manager Collections and Research Mark Sykes says several events have been organised by Taketake kaimahi throughout the month which are designed to assist those interested in family history research.
“Delving into your family history isn’t just about collecting names and dates,” says Mark. “It’s about deep diving into your roots, understanding the lives and journeys of your forebears, and finding links that make your family’s history come alive.”
Throughout the month a series of unknown images are on display at Taketake, and Mark encourages members of the public to stop by and lend the team your memory.
“We’d love everyone to come in and help us identify the people and events in the series of mystery photographs to help us reconnect the whakapapa of family, friends, and local events.”
In addition, on Tuesday, 27 August between 11am-12noon, renowned local historian, Sonia Edwards QSM, will share her work commemorating the hundreds of fallen soldiers from WW1 and WW2 who hailed from the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
“Sonia’s research journey ‘Eastern Bay of Plenty Fallen’ is truly remarkable and her publications weave together the stories of these brave men who came from Matatā to Whangaparāoa, and inland from Motu to Rūātoki.”
Later in the day, those wanting to kick start their family history search can tap into the skills of research experts, the Whakatāne Genealogical Society, who’ll join the team at Taketake between 1:30pm-4pm.
“The ‘Genies’ are passionate about family history research and are eager to promote some fantastic resources, tips and tricks to support your own research,” says Mark. “They’ll be on hand to assist with the ‘How To’ of sorting through your own records and mementos.”
For more information on Family History Month events at Te Whare Taonga o Taketake, visit www.whakatanemuseum.org.nz/exhibitions-and-events