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JOIN USResearch
Research is at the heart of the Cambridge Museum and Historical Society’s activities. Our Archive includes extensive documentary and photographic items relating to the Cambridge area.
From June 6, 2023 – we will be temporarily closed for seismic strengthening work. Inquires are welcome, although please be aware they may take longer than usual.
How to find out more about the Cambridge Museum Collection?
Choose from one of the following options:
1. Ask our team a question by emailing a research request form.
Not found what you’re looking for on our website? Download a research request form here and email it to us.
2. Search the Cambridge Museum website
In Cambridge People, you will find stories and indexes for family histories, rate payers, Cambridge Armed Constabulary, 3rd Waikato Militia and much more
In Cambridge Town you will find information about A-List and B-List Historic Buildings, Schools, Districts, The Origin of Road Names, and Cemeteries.
3. Research Guides
Not sure where to begin your research journey? Our research guides will help you get started.
Top 25 Online History Resources: ENZED History Online
How old is your house? A Research Guide to Finding the Age of Your Home
Research Guide to Digital Maps of Cambridge NZ
3rd Waikato Militia Research Resource Guide
4. Publications
Cambridge Museum research is published within a wide variety of specialist areas in the form of books, articles, and creative works.
Staff also contribute to and edit the Historical Society’s newsletter (latest editions here):
Recent publications:
Waipa: Home of Champions: Celebrating 150 Years – Index available here
Waikato Advocate Newspaper Index – Click here for index
The Waikato River Gunboats – New Zealand’s First Navy by Grant Middlemiss (2014)
The story of gunboats used during the British invasion of the Waikato. Eight purpose built river gunboats deployed during the British invasion of the Waikato in 1863, when a force of 12,000 British and Colonial troops invaded the Waikato region. To reach the pastoral land of the Waikato interior a reliable transport route was required to move the men and their supplies. The Waikato River provided that route. The armoured iron gunboats were deployed as a naval force and transport service to move the troops and supplies past the Māori fortifications along the river.
View the Index and Bibliography here