In conversation with Kirsty and Lisa
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Lisa and Kirsty have been committee members of the Cambridge Historical Society for one and two years respectively. In this conversation, they share the projects that inspire them, the value of community involvement and what they have learned along the way.
(Interview edited for clarity and flow.)
What first drew you to join the Historical Society, and what continues to inspire your involvement?
Kirsty: When I first considered becoming a committee member, Elizabeth (the Museum Manager) and I were already collaborating on the Investigating Histories website — a Te Kāhui Ako-led project designed to make it easier for students and teachers to access primary resources about local history for the new Aotearoa New Zealand History Curriculum. Elizabeth approached me about supporting the Society’s collaboration with teachers, and I was keen to get involved.
I also saw it as an opportunity for personal growth. I’d never been on a committee before, and as a librarian who loves research, it felt like a natural fit. Although Cambridge isn’t my hometown, it’s where I’ve lived for the past 23 years, and getting to know the ins and outs of its history has been really rewarding.
Although Cambridge isn’t my hometown, it’s where I’ve lived for the past 23 years, and getting to know the ins and outs of its history has been really rewarding.
Lisa: I’ve always been interested in history. I studied it at high school and university, and I’ve always loved the stories. They continue to inspire my involvement today. I don’t have roots in Cambridge myself, but I grew up in the South Waikato, and it was always a happy memory coming to Cambridge for a visit, so there’s always been a connection. I’m really enjoying continuing to learn new things and being able to contribute along the way.
Why do you think it is important for our community to protect and share its history?
Kirsty: We only have one history. It’s always evolving and to understand our future, we need to understand our past. It’s important that our community is part of that story as it continues to unfold. Just look at the changes we’ve seen in the last year alone. Our community is made up of all sorts of people, across different ages and backgrounds.
Being involved in education, I see how children grow up, learn and share their own home stories. I’ve brought quite a few students and parents into the Museum, and they’re often surprised. Even though the Museum is small, we really do have a lot to offer.
It’s really important to protect and share our community’s history. It’s part of our identity
Lisa: It’s really important to protect and share our community’s history. It’s part of our identity. It gives us a sense of belonging, helps us understand where we come from and allows us to learn from the past. In places like Cambridge, everyone has their own unique history and story, and it’s important to protect that.
Kirsty: And it’s increasingly important today. Many small museums are funded by councils, and we all know things are tight out there — for councils and for everyone. But visiting a museum offers a multi-sensory experience; it’s something you can really feel and connect with. Everyone has a role to play in protecting our history as best they can. And the more we can advocate for it, the better we can protect it.
Lisa: If you’re part of that, you want to have a voice and help build that sense of community.
Kirsty: Exactly. Cambridge may be a small town, but our history plays an important part in the Waikato.
Can you share a moment or project that has been especially meaningful during your time on the committee?
Kirsty: This is actually what led me onto the Committee — and it’s still ongoing. It began at Cambridge High School, where we ran a pilot project with Cambridge East Primary and Nelson High School. One of the goals was to develop a kete of knowledge for teachers about local histories and stories, and how to gather them together. My role was to collaborate with the Museum, as I didn’t know much about the local history myself back then — that was three years ago now.
Since then, we’ve created a fantastic website using an open-source platform. It’s available to all teachers in the Waipā area, especially those working with the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum. It’s been a big project, it’s ongoing and it’s being really well used.
Lisa: A moment that stands out for me and really makes me glad to be part of the Committee was when we were discussing the Karāpiro Dam display and how to create a puzzle that would encourage people to physically engage with history. It had to be something that would appeal to all ages and really encourage curiosity. It was about connecting with people in a fun and meaningful way.
Kirsty: Having our timeline in the main gallery and seeing it come alive when children came through has been great. It helps students and teacher focus on history in a way that makes sense to them. Sometimes we can get a bit carried away with jargon but the timeline, with its pictures, objects and short stories, makes history more accessible and engaging.
Looking ahead, what do you hope the Historical Society will achieve in the coming years?
Kirsty: I think we need to keep advocating for the Society and Museum. It’s important to grow our membership and get more people involved in our events, activities and displays. As our town continues to change, we should also keep involving iwi and the younger generation to keep history alive.
As our town continues to change, we should also keep involving iwi and the younger generation to keep history alive.
Lisa: In the year I’ve been on the Committee, I’ve been amazed by the treasures in the Collection. I’d love to see greater visibility for these stories and more people discovering what’s here.
Kirsty: I don’t think people realise just how much we have here – the sheer wealth of stories in the Collection.
Lisa: It would be wonderful to celebrate the connections people make when they visit.
What have you learned from being part of the Society?
Kirsty: It’s been a real journey of personal growth for me. I’d never been on a committee before, and I was quite nervous at first. What I’ve learned is that no one judges you. It’s okay to make mistakes. And everyone brings their own skills. There’s such a wealth of experience around the table.
The one thing we all have in common is our love of history. I really value that we’re part of a Society. Not all museums have that anymore. I hope we continue to keep it alive and growing.
Lisa: It was definitely stepping out of my comfort zone, but that’s quite easy to do when you’re surrounded by people who make you feel so welcome. It’s just really great to be part of it.
It was definitely stepping out of my comfort zone, but that’s quite easy to do when you’re surrounded by people who make you feel so welcome.
Kirsty: You’re giving back to the community, to Cambridge and to the people who live here and pass through.
Lisa: It’s also been a great opportunity to see where my career in libraries overlaps with the work of the Society.
Kirsty: The Society and its committee are the core group of people who keep the Museum going by looking after the Collections, monitoring trends in education and research, and creating new Museum experiences. We each bring our own knowledge and expertise, and that’s what makes our committee so strong.
Whether through education, collaboration or storytelling, Cambridge Historical Society ‘s Committee enables Cambridge’s history to inspire future generations.
If you would like to join the Committee, find out more here>>