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The first hundred years of Hamilton's library

Tuesday 1 July

Books were scarce in early colonial New Zealand. Most arrived by ship, and the first titles printed locally were government documents or church publications.

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Harnessing the Waikato River

Tuesday 10 June | Stories of Hamilton,

When early European settlers arrived in the Waikato, they, like the local Maaori, relied on the river to explore the region and transport supplies.

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The Battle of Ooraakau

Friday 14 March

The Waikato War was one of the most important campaigns in New Zealand Wars, and this month marks the anniversary of the Battle of Ooraakau.

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Microwaves & Memories: Recipes from the 1980s

Tuesday 4 March

Long before air fryers and meal kits, kiwi home cooks relied on recipes like these, quick, clever, and designed for the microwave.

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Beryl Fletcher

Monday 20 January | Resources,

Hamilton City Libraries has launched a new archive collection of literary papers from acclaimed feminist author Beryl Fletcher, who was based in Kirikiriroa Hamilton from the 1970s until her passing…

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Whakapapa Research

Wednesday 20 November

Researching your whakapapa - Showcases how you can use our resources to research your own whakapapa.

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First New Zealand Company Ships to Arrive in New Zealand

Wednesday 20 November | Resources,

The New Zealand Company was an organisation founded in early 19th-century England that arranged for the hire of various ships to carry British migrants from England to New Zealand, lured…

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No. 2 Dam

Friday 1 March | Camera Obscura,

Do you know this spot? 1978. 01. 454 This week’s idyllic lake scene comes from the Pick Collection, a collection of personal papers and images from Mr R. D.

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Masonic Lodge

Friday 1 March | Camera Obscura,

This modest yet historically significant building still stands on Grey Street, opposite Steele Park, as it has since 1877 - one hundred and forty-six years after its foundation stone was…

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Burley's Drapery Store

Wednesday 28 February | Camera Obscura,

Flier for Burley's Drapery Store advertising clothing, manchester, fabric and other items by mail order HCLE_00059 This flier promotes goods available at Burley’s Drapery Store in 1929, shortly before the retirement…

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Letter regarding Frank Leslie Ryburn's tree in Memorial Park

Wednesday 28 February | Camera Obscura,

Here is a letter dated August 1928 from Mr J. Ryburn of ‘Oaklands’, Ngahinapouri.

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The Waikato Hotel

Tuesday 27 February | Camera Obscura,

Built in 1878, the Waikato Hotel was located on the southeast corner of Grey Street and Clyde Street HCL_04429  This historic photo shows the Waikato Hotel, which came under the lease…

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