Step inside the hidden world of heritage collections and discover the surprising stories that lie behind some of these artefacts. In the Histories and Mysteries series we peek inside collection stores across the city to share remarkable (and occasionally mysterious) items, revealing how collected treasures help us understand the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the city, our wider region and the country. Join us for an afternoon of storytelling, discovery, and behind-the-scenes insights from the collection of the Palmerston North Medical Museum.
Presented by Susan Abasa and Dr. Keith Pine
Following this presentation, afternoon tea will be served, and the 2026 Local Historian of the Year will be revealed by the Palmerston North Heritage Trust.
The newly launched Manawatū Journal of History and PNHT Calendar will be available for sale during the afternoon.
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Join us during September at the City Library for Local History Month: Presentations, activities, workshops, wānanga, and celebrations. For more information, email heritage@pncc.govt.nz.
Images: Photo: A ship medicine chest from the 1860s, complete with original phials of medicine containing potassium bromide, a sedative, and bismuth carbide, to treat indigestion. Coastal steamers accounted for 80% of tonnage by the 1870s. Courtesy of Our Health Journeys.
Watercolour: Kirsty Porter
