Belfast District Museum
Belfast History & Genealogy
Canterbury
New Zealand

Belfast District Museum

Welcome to the website of the Belfast District Museum Trust! Where are we? The Museum is situated on the Kapuatohe Historic Reserve, 663-665 Main North Road, Belfast in northern Christchurch, right next to the 1877 Schoolmaster's House. Details of the history of the Museum can be found on the "Belfast History" page.

Recent developments include the formation of a Trust, at the request of the Christchurch City Council and after public meetings in 2006, to operate the Museum and the twice-yearly Open Days of the Reserve. Assisted by a grant from the Shirley-Papanui Community Board, the Trust has a computer and a printer to provide better service (photographs as image files, etc.) to the public.

Are you a potential sponsor? Entry to the Museum or the Open Days is free, but donations are sought. We have plans to increase the hours that the Museum is open, but urgently need funds to expand our services. Donations to the Belfast District Museum Trust (Inc) are tax-deductible as we are a registered charitable entity (CC11456). Donations may be made at the Museum, or sent to 6 Creese Place, Christchurch 8051.

What does the future hold? We have long-term plans to obtain permission to expand the size of the Museum, and then to obtain funds for the expansion.

Events - Apart from the Open Days, we hope to arrange other events to share the history of the area (originally Styx, later Belfast and Heslington). This may take the form of public lectures or displays. Watch this website for announcements of such events.

Publications - The "Belfast Books" page lists books on the Belfast District that we have for sale. The latest is a history of Heslington, which was Belfast's neighbouring township. As other books on the Belfast district are published, we will endeavour to have them available for sale at the Museum.

Special Visits - Apart from the regular opening of the Museum, we can arrange (with suitable notice, and for a donation) to open the Museum for groups. Contact the Secretary at (03) 352 5545.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
In 2009, the Belfast District Museum Trust had gifted to it a Quality Management System complying with ISO 9002, relating to the operation of the Trust and its running of the Museum. It may well be the only community museum in New Zealand to have such a system, which would usually cost several thousands of dollars to develop and put in place.

• GENEALOGY - Are you working on your family tree? The Belfast District Museum may be able to help. We have many photographs that may include your ancestors if they lived in the Styx/Belfast area. Books on sale may include information that you are seeking. Do you have a family history that you would like to deposit at the Museum? The Trust is adding family trees to its archives. Visit the Museum when next open (Sunday, 5 September, 2010, 2-4pm) or contact the Archivist on (03) 352 5545.