This seminar series is organised by U3A Manawatū. It is open to the public. After the presentations, audio recordings and PowerPoint presentations will be made available on the Manawatū U3A website. See: https://www.u3amanawatu.org.nz/seminars/

We record the past and the present for the benefit of future generations. How do we see ourselves? What information is important? How can we collect and present this. Who can play a part in this? Numerous local historians and archivists provide valuable resources for the benefit of all of us. We can each also contribute to this process. Find out what there is, how it is developing and, if motivated, how you can participate.

October 16th: Archives and Heritage
Staff of the Palmerston North City Library Heritage team.
With technology ever-changing and environmental concerns driving the ‘paperless’ office, what does the archive of the future look like? Join the Library Heritage staff to learn about how traditional archival practices are changing and how you can contribute to ensuring ‘today’ can still be recorded for ‘tomorrow’s’ heritage.

October 23rd: Manawatū Memories from Feilding
Marilyn Wightman, The Coach House Museum and Feilding and District Community Archive
The Coach House Museum in Feilding is the work of enthusiastic volunteers, both in terms of the museum and its exhibits and in the Feilding and District Community Archive. This talk will describe what there is, how it has developed, how it is used, and where it is going. Social histories help us to understand ourselves. By being involved, we provide something of value for future generations.

October 30th: Pain - Past, Present and Future
Medical Museum Trustees
The aim of the Medical Museum is to preserve medical history - how medical equipment and procedures have evolved over the past 100 plus years. Hear about the origins of the museum, its collections, stories, horror, humour and successes. Where to from here? Come along for an update on the status of this Palmerston North asset.

November 6th: Taking a Bet on the Future
Karis Evans and Cindy Lilburn, Te Manawa
Manawatū Museum was formed nearly 50 years ago. It presented our region’s history through a Euro-centric lens that emphasised agriculture and settlement. Much has changed in the way we see ourselves and our shared histories. What should our region’s museum collection look like in 2024? Two current Te Manawa staff members reflect on the past 50 years of collecting and consider what should be incorporated into a contemporary collecting practice.

Admission Free: Gold coin for tea/coffee and biscuits.